Why will I love it?
If you are looking for a challenge, try to keep an asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus) alive for more than a couple of months. I have tried, time after time, because I love the way its unique feather-like leaves leave me feeling light and airy.
Light or shade?
Moderate light to partial shade.
Where should I put it?
On an office desk or sideboard near a window.
How do I keep it alive?
This plant ranks high in the neediness charts. It prefers partial shade – protect it at all costs from direct and bright indirect light. It also thrives in a warm and humid environment, so mist the leaves frequently, particularly in winter when central heating can dry out the air. Don’t write it off if it starts to look limp and brown – it can sometimes be revived with warmth, misting and increased watering. However, if it does die, don’t be too sad. Next time, try using a self-watering pot as a failsafe.
Did you know …
Aside from the dainty white or pinkish-white flowers that appear in clusters off the stem in spring, it can also produce red berries. (Don’t eat them, though – they and all plant parts are toxic when ingested.)
