Are you looking for a houseplant that does not require too much care? Then choose the Asparagus or ornamental asparagus. This strong and decorative houseplant has a soft appearance and fits into any interior, from modern and sleek to rustic, vintage or romantic. Place the Asparagus in a beautiful decorative pot, choose the right place and you will be able to enjoy this wonderful piece of nature at home for years. The ornamental asparagus is a rewarding houseplant!
- Description of the Asparagus
- Pitch
- Grooming
- Repotting
- Propagate
- Popular types
Description of the Asparagus
The Asparagus is a plant genus originally from South and Central Africa and Asia. This plant genus belongs to the family of the Lilaceae or lily-like and has about 300 species. One of the most famous varieties is of course the asparagus, a vegetable that is very popular because of its refined taste. Other species are grown as a houseplant. The Dutch name for the houseplant Asparagus is asparagus plant, ornamental asparagus or also asparagus green. The ornamental asparagus is reminiscent of a fern because of its feathery appearance of strongly branched stems and numerous refined needle-shaped side branches. These fine side branches become phylloclades or fake leaves called: flattened branch blades that serve as leaves. The ornamental asparagus can be put in a regular pot, but some varieties are also suitable as hanging plants because the older, longer stems will hang. The green of certain varieties is used as a decorative cut foliage for use in bouquets.
Pitch
The Asparagus thrives best in a spot in partial shade. No direct sunlight, filtered sunlight is possible. He likes fresh air in the summer. A daytime temperature between 20 ° and 22 ° is ideal. In summer, the ornamental asparagus can also be placed outside, but not in the sun. A rest period in winter is not really necessary, but the plant can tolerate a temperature between 8 ° and 10 °, so it is possible.
Grooming
A lot of moisture evaporates from the many fine leaves in the summer. So water generously, but make sure that the plant does not have wet feet, that does not do it any good. Allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. You can water the plant from above or you can submerge it under water but then you have to let it drain well. Nevertheless, the Asparagus survives even if you forget to water, it is a strong plant. The thick roots can store a lot of water and so it can continue for a while without watering. If you allow the plant a rest period with lower temperatures in the winter, keep in mind that it also needs less water, so less watering. Rainwater is ideal for pouring. If you also keep the humidity level by regularly spraying, preferably with rainwater or descaled water, then this plant will feel completely at home!
During the growth period, from May to September, the Asparagus can receive extra nutrition once a week. Take a dose as indicated on the package. If you let the plant overwinter in a cold place, feed it every two weeks and only half the indicated dose.
Repotting
Young plants should be repotted every year in the spring. For older plants, it can be done every two years. Standard potting soil is suitable. Place a potsherd at the bottom of the new pot. This prevents the roots from growing through the drainage holes. If the plant you are going to repot shows a lot of yellow phylloclades, you can also trim it right away. Cut off the shoots at the bottom of the base. New shoots will soon be formed.
Propagate
The Asparagus can be easily propagated through cracks. Propagation should be done in the spring, March or April. Divide the root ball into a number of rooted pieces and pot them up.
Popular types
Asparagus densiflorus
Of this species is the Asparagus sprengeri the most known. The stems are limp and droop as they grow longer. This species therefore also works well as a hanging plant. The fake leaves are bright green and grow up to 3 cm long. The plant can flower in very good conditions. The small flowers are white and are hidden under the leaves.
Asparagus setaceus
Better known as plumosus. The leaves are very fine, they almost look like threads. That really gives this species the look of a fern. The leaves grow up to 6 cm long. This variety is often used as a cut foliage in bouquets.
Asparagus falcatus
Has upright stems and stiff, bamboo-like leaves. It is a strong grower and fits well in large spaces.