Light Conditions for Asparagus Fern

Description

• Asparagus fern is semi-woody in form and has light green branches with a trailing or upright growth habit. The branches have a potential length of 6 feet and height of up to 2 feet. The fine foliage growing in branchlets and clustered at the nodes gives the plant a soft, fluffy appearance. The plant blooms for a short period in summer with inconspicuous yet fragrant light pink or white flowers. The flowers are followed by red fruit containing three seeds per fruit.

Light Requirements

• For best growth, place asparagus fern in an area of partial shade or bright light. The plant also thrives in deep shade. Asparagus fern that is kept well irrigated can tolerate periods of full sun as well. However, bright indirect light is ideal for optimal growth, recommends Denny Schrock in "Ortho Home Gardener's Problem Solver."

Insufficient Light Symptoms

• Although asparagus fern is tolerant of deep shade, extremely low levels of light may prove damaging to plants. Light is a source of energy, and an insufficient amount affects plant health. Damage is seen in the form of yellowing foliage with discoloration initiating on older foliage, growing from the base to the tip. There is leaf drop and stems start to elongate and weaken, often bending toward the light source. The center of the plant sometimes dies entirely. To reduce damage, move the plant gradually to an area with brighter light.

Excessive Light Symptoms

• The symptoms of excessive sun on asparagus are usually when the plant is exposed to sun but not well irrigated. This leads to sunburn. Sunburn is seen in the form of brown or tan dead spots on areas receiving the most sun. Foliage lightens and sometimes assumes a gray color. Sometimes the plant may retain color, but growth is stunted. Sunburn occurs as the chlorophyll in foliage tissue is damaged. Move the asparagus fern out of direct sunlight to reduce symptoms.