How to Grow and Care for Emerald Fern
Learn the specific needs of the Emerald Fern for lush, healthy growth. This guide covers the unique care required for this delicate asparagus relative.
The emerald fern is a popular houseplant, admired for its bright green, feathery foliage. The delicate, airy texture of its arching stems adds a soft, graceful element to interior spaces. Often used in hanging baskets or pots where its foliage can cascade, this plant offers a lush appearance with fine needles that create a full, elegant display.
Understanding the Emerald Fern
Despite its common name and fern-like appearance, the emerald fern is not a true fern. Botanically, it is identified as Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’, a member of the Asparagaceae family, alongside garden asparagus. This relation explains its unique care requirements and why it is more tolerant of conditions that true ferns would not survive.
This plant is a scrambling, slightly woody perennial native to South Africa. Its “leaves” are actually cladodes, which are modified stem segments that perform photosynthesis. The plant’s tuberous roots store water, making it more drought-tolerant than its name would suggest and distinguishing its needs from humidity-loving ferns.
Essential Care Guide
Light
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, making an east-facing window with gentle morning sun an ideal spot. While it can adapt to lower light conditions, its growth may become sparse and the foliage might lose its vibrant color. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate cladodes and cause them to turn yellow or brown.
Water
The soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings. A good method is to water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, which prevents it from becoming waterlogged. During the spring and summer growing season, it will require more frequent watering, which should be reduced in the fall and winter when growth slows.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is necessary to prevent root rot. A standard indoor potting soil amended with perlite or sand works well to improve aeration and drainage. This provides a medium that retains enough moisture for the roots without becoming overly saturated and leading to decay.
Temperature and Humidity
The emerald fern prefers average household temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) and should be protected from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops. While it appreciates moderate humidity, this plant is quite adaptable to typical indoor levels. In particularly dry homes, especially during winter, increasing the ambient humidity can be beneficial for the foliage.
Fertilizer
During the active seasons of spring and summer, feed the emerald fern every four to six weeks. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength to support the development of lush, green foliage. Feeding should be paused during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning and Repotting
Pruning keeps an emerald fern looking tidy and encourages fuller growth. The primary reason to prune is to remove any stems that have turned yellow or brown. Cut these at the base with clean, sharp scissors to direct the plant’s energy toward new, healthy shoots.
Repotting is necessary when the plant becomes root-bound, which occurs when its tuberous roots fill the pot. This is done every one to two years in the spring. Select a container that is slightly larger than the current one with adequate drainage holes, and use fresh, well-draining soil.
Solving Common Issues
Yellowing stems are a frequent problem with the emerald fern. This is often a sign of overwatering, the soil becoming too dry, or too much direct sunlight. To resolve this, adjust your watering frequency and move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light.
Browning tips on the foliage are an indication of dry air. You can increase humidity around the plant by misting it occasionally or placing it on a pebble tray with water to alleviate this symptom.
Spider mites are a common pest that thrives in dry conditions. These can be managed by regularly wiping down the foliage with a damp cloth and increasing the surrounding humidity.
Is the Emerald Fern Toxic?
The emerald fern is toxic if ingested, so it should be kept away from pets and small children. Ingestion of the plant or its small red berries can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Contact with the plant’s sap may also cause skin irritation in both pets and humans, so place it in a location out of reach.