Long & Leggy Asparagus Ferns

Tall and Leggy

• Legginess in asparagus ferns is due to too little light, which causes the plant to elongate its stems to reach an area with more light. Low light will also cause the stems and leaves to take on a yellowish cast and may cause them to develop thin foliage or drop some of their needlelike leaves.

Light It Up

• Asparagus ferns perform best and stay healthiest when grown under moderately bright light, which is roughly 75 to 200 foot-candles. Indoor asparagus ferns should be placed within 3 feet of an east- or west-facing window, or near a lightly shaded south-facing window, where they should get enough light. Avoid placing the plant in dense shade or strong sun because both will stress the plant and may cause it to drop its leaves.

Give It a Haircut

• Restoring leggy asparagus ferns is relatively simple, although it takes several months to see results. Prune the plant back by one-half in early spring before new growth emerges, and cut off any dead or badly yellowed stems. Repot the asparagus fern into new soil and water it deeply. Place the pot in a suitably bright spot with protection from cold drafts and heat sources. Water when the soil dries out in the top one-third and rotate the pot every few months so all parts of the plant are exposed to the light.

Helping Older Plants

• Asparagus ferns lose vigor as they age, so older specimens with legginess may not respond to treatment in the same way as younger plants. Dividing older plants will allow them to grow a new, more productive root system that will support healthy stem growth. The plants perform best when divided and replanted in late spring or early summer as they emerge from their winter rest and enter their active growing phase. After cutting the root ball apart and replanting the new plants in individual pots, prune back the stems by one-half and put the divisions in a moderately bright location. Keep the plants watered and watch for new growth in six to eight weeks.