Asparagus Fern
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0
houseplantbeginnerdivisionseed

How to Propagate Asparagus Fern

Asparagus setaceus

Methods Division, seed
Difficulty Beginner
Best season Spring–summer
Time to root Instant (division)
Group Houseplant

Not a true fern, this plant divides readily at the roots, more forgiving than most true ferns. Division is straightforward — the tuberous roots separate easily and recover quickly.

Division

  1. Remove the plant from its pot.
  2. Separate the tuberous root clumps by hand or with a clean cut.
  3. Pot each division in well-draining mix.

When to propagate

Spring through summer.

Common problems

Needle-like foliage dropped after division. Normal short-term stress — keep it consistently watered and it typically recovers within a couple of weeks.

Questions people ask

Is it toxic? Yes, mildly toxic to pets if the berries or foliage are eaten.

Similar plants: Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern