How to Repot a Foxtail Fern

The foxtail (Asparagus densiflorus Meyersii) is a type of asparagus fern and a member of the Lily family. The plant takes its nickname from the shape of its bushy fronds, each resembling a fox's tail. When the roots start straining against the surface of the soil, or when you see them through the pot's drainage holes, it's time to repot the plant. This presents a decision: whether or not to divide the plant while it's out of the pot. Division cuts down the size of the mother plant so it can be planted back in the same pot, and it also provides an additional foxtail fern.

Bucket or large planting pot
Peat moss
Potting soil
Pruning saw
Planting pots

Instructions

- 1
  In a bucket or large planting pot, combine equal parts peat moss and potting soil. Dry peat moss is sometimes a challenge to moisten, so stir the mixture as you add water. Mix enough to fill two pots if you'll be dividing the foxtail fern.
- 2
  Fill the new pots halfway with the moist soil mix.
- 3
  Slide the foxtail fern out of its pot and lay it on the work surface. Divide it with a pruning saw by slicing it into smaller plants, each with its own roots.
- 4
  Plant the foxtail fern or ferns at the same depth as they have been growing. You may need to add more soil to the pot to get the foxtail to the proper depth. Fill around the root ball with soil until the pot is full to within 1 inch of the rim.
- 5
  Water the ferns slowly so the soil and root balls absorb the water. Stop watering when water runs from the bottom of the pot.
- 6
  Set the foxtail fern in a spot with bright but filtered sunshine.

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