The Foxtail Fern is a great choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of class to their collection. With its delicate foliage and unique appearance, it can transform any space into a verdant oasis.
Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a plush-looking perennial evergreen herb with luscious, fluffy stems of pine needle-like leaves. The common name comes from the fact that each narrow, bushy, plume-like stem resembles a foxtail.
The foxtail fern is in the same family as asparagus, but it’s not really a fern because it grows from seeds instead of spores. Small white flowers turn into bright red berries on the feathery plant, which makes it a great addition to both outdoor gardens and indoor plant collections.
Foxtail fern is also used as greenery in flower arrangements, where it lasts two to three weeks. It is important to know that the foxtail fern can be harmful to both people and animals in all of its forms, including its flowers and berries.
The foxtail fern is a great choice for both new and experienced gardeners because it doesn’t need much care and can keep growing happily even when you forget about it.
As a master gardener, I’ll walk you through every step of growing the Fox Tail Fern in this detailed guide, from how to take care of it to how to make more plants. So let’s get started and uncover the secrets of nurturing this captivating plant.
The foxtail fern, also known as Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’, is a popular houseplant and landscaping choice thanks to its graceful, plume-like fronds While this plant thrives in warm weather, it can still brighten your home through the winter if you give it a bit of extra care Follow these tips to help your foxtail fern survive and stay healthy during the colder months.
Provide Bright, Indirect Light
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Foxtail ferns prefer bright, indirect sunlight A south or west-facing window is ideal
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Direct sun will scorch the fronds. Filter sunlight with a sheer curtain.
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Supplement with artificial lighting if needed to give your fern 12-14 hours of brightness per day.
Watch the Temperature
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Foxtail ferns thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F during the day and around 50°F at night.
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Keep your plant away from cold drafts from windows or doors.
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Use a space heater or move your fern to a warmer room at night if needed.
Increase Humidity
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Ferns crave 40-60% humidity, more than most homes provide in winter.
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Set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
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Mist the fronds several times per week.
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Run a humidifier nearby.
Water Thoroughly When the Top Inch of Soil is Dry
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Check the soil with your finger before watering.
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Water until it drains from the pot. Never let it sit in water.
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The tuberous roots store water, so less frequent deep watering is best.
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Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again to prevent rot.
Fertilize Lightly
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Use diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in winter.
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Look for a balanced blend like 10-10-10.
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Over-fertilizing can damage roots and cause leaf burn.
Prune Out Damaged Fronds
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Remove any yellow or brown leaves throughout winter.
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Use sterilized scissors to prevent disease spread.
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Pinching off the tips promotes fuller growth.
Keep the Soil Loose
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Foxtails hate compacted, soggy soil.
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Loosen it with a fork before watering.
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Add perlite or small rocks to improve drainage.
Repot in Spring
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Repot in a container one size larger if roots are crowded.
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Refresh the potting mix to replenish nutrients.
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Dividing the rhizomes every few years keeps plants vigorous.
Move Outdoors After Frost Danger Passes
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Acclimate by placing in shade for a few hours per day.
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Bury in mulch to protect the roots if temperatures drop below 45°F.
Be Patient!
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Foxtail ferns often lose many fronds over winter. This is natural.
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Keep giving it proper care and new growth will emerge in spring.
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Resist overwatering or overfeeding to try to stimulate growth.
With the right care, your foxtail fern can make it through winter with minimal foliage loss. Pay close attention to its light, temperature, humidity and watering needs. Avoid disturbing the roots by repotting during winter. With a little patience for its slow-growth season, your fern will reward you with abundant feathery leaves when warmer weather returns.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the best care, foxtail ferns can run into trouble over the winter. Watch for these common issues and take action to get your plant back on track.
Yellow or Drooping Fronds
Causes: Too much or too little water, inadequate humidity, or insufficient sunlight.
Solutions: Check soil moisture and adjust watering frequency, use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase humidity, and ensure the plant gets 12-14 hours of bright indirect light per day. Remove damaged fronds.
Leaf Drop
Causes: Normal seasonal shedding, drying soil, temperature stress, or pests.
Solutions: Remove dead fronds but don’t panic over moderate leaf drop. Ensure proper watering, humidity, temperatures, and pest control. Wait for new growth in spring.
Mushy, Rotting Roots
Causes: Overwatering or poorly draining soil.
Solutions: Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings, add perlite to increase drainage, and remove dead roots.
Mealybugs, Aphids, or Scale
Causes: Sap-sucking insects that leave sticky residue on the fronds.
Solutions: Isolate affected plants and use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.
Powdery Mildew or Gray Mold
Causes: Excess moisture and poor air circulation.
Solutions: Space plants to allow air flow, water less frequently, and apply fungicide. Improve ventilation.
With prompt troubleshooting and adjustments to care, your foxtail fern can bounce back from most common issues. Be patient, as it may take some weeks or months to regain its full beauty and vigor.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up, here are answers to some common questions about overwintering foxtail ferns:
How cold tolerant are foxtail ferns?
Foxtail ferns can only tolerate temperatures down to 45-50°F before they will start to show damage. They thrive in 60-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night.
Should I cut back my foxtail fern in winter?
You can remove any dead or damaged fronds throughout winter, but don’t cut the plant back severely. Just clean it up and pinch out tips to encourage bushier growth.
Do I need to repot my foxtail fern in winter?
It’s best not to disturb the roots in winter unless absolutely necessary. Wait until spring to repot in fresh soil or a larger container if required.
Should I fertilize my foxtail fern over winter?
You can use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, but don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer can damage roots and cause salt buildup during times of slow growth.
Can I take my foxtail fern outside in winter?
Only if your climate is warm, around Zone 9 or higher. Otherwise, keep foxtail ferns protected indoors once temperatures drop below 50°F overnight.
Follow these tips to keep your foxtail fern looking its best through the tough winter season. With the right care, your fern will thrive year-round and provide graceful, flowing texture to brighten your indoor garden.
How to Grow Foxtail Fern from Seed
Are you ready to start a journey from a seed to a beautiful Foxtail Fern? It’s an exciting process that will take some time and effort.
To begin, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften their tough outer shells. This will make it easier for the seeds to germinate and sprout into healthy seedlings.
After soaking the seeds, fill a tray or pot with a moist seed-starting mix. This mix provides the perfect environment for the seeds to grow and develop.
Plant the seeds gently on top of the soil, making sure to press them down a little. This will ensure good seed-to-soil contact and increase the chances of successful germination.
After sowing the seeds, cover the tray with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse-like environment. This will help keep the water in and make the air warm and humid, which is great for seed germination.
Place the tray in a warm spot that receives indirect sunlight. This will provide the seeds with the right amount of warmth and light to kickstart their growth.
Now comes the important part – maintaining the right level of moisture in the soil. It’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly saturated. To achieve this, mist the soil with water as needed. This will make sure the seeds have just the right amount of water to sprout and grow, without being too wet.
Germination of Foxtail Fern seeds typically takes around two to eight weeks. At this point, you should be patient and resist the urge to move the seeds around or check on them too often. Nature will take its course, and you can trust that the seeds will do what they need to do to grow.
As soon as the seedlings get their first true leaves, they should be carefully moved into individual pots with soil that drains well. This will provide the seedlings with the space and nutrients they need to continue growing. Don’t hurt the seedlings when you plant them; plant them at the same depth they were at in the tray.
How to Propagate Foxtail Fern
Propagation is a great way to get more foxtail ferns or share their beauty with other people if you already have one that is already established. Foxtail ferns can be propagated through division or by division of rhizomes. Here’s a simple guide to help you propagate your foxtail fern:
- Choose a mature, healthy foxtail fern with a well-developed root system to start.
- Carefully take the fern out of its pot or garden bed, being careful not to hurt the roots.
- Tease the root ball apart gently to separate the rhizomes that are grouped together. Make sure there are enough healthy fronds and roots in each division.
- Set up separate pots or good places to plant for each divided section. Fill them with well-draining potting mix.
- Plant the split pieces at the same depth as they were growing before, making sure the soil is just a little wet.
- Put the new plants where they will grow in a warm, bright place that gets indirect sunlight.
- Regular watering and keeping the air a little humid will help the establishment process go smoothly.
- In a few weeks, new fronds will start to grow, which means the plant has successfully spread. Take the same care of the new plants as you would with the old foxtail ferns.
Spreading foxtail ferns is a great way to grow more of them and show other gardeners how beautiful they are. With a bit of care and patience, you’ll have more lush greenery in no time!.