Foxtail fern is a perennial evergreen herb with lush, fluffy stems of pine needle-like leaves. Members of the asparagus family reproduce by seeds, not spores. This feathery plant produces small white flowers that form attractive red berries, making them great not just for gardens outdoors but also indoors as part of a houseplant collection. Foxtail fern is also used in floral arrangements as greenery, remaining fresh for two to three weeks.

Foxtail Fern Plant Care

Foxtail Fern, more commonly known as Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii' or 'Myers', is a houseplant that is popular due to its unique, feathery foliage. Having originated from South Africa, this fern requires specific care to grow. Caring for foxtail fern isn't just about the way it looks; in fact, it is pretty hardy. It is a low-maintenance plant with simple care requirements. It requires only bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Give it plenty of room to develop and an occasional trimming of spent stems, and you will have a nice, bushy plant.

In addition, foxtail fern has tuberous roots and is drought-tolerant. Therefore, it is pretty forgiving in case you might forget to water it. This is an excellent plant for beginners. Want to know more about hardy plants? Read Plants That Are Impossible To Kill.

Light

Foxtail Fern does best in bright and indirect sunlight and generally prefers filtered shade. Put it by a window where it will get a gentle ray, but not direct, more specifically, scorching afternoon sun. The perfect location will be an east-facing window where the plant has the morning sun.

If your fern turns yellow or wilts, it's probably receiving too much light. On the other hand, if it begins to lean toward the light, it likely needs a brighter spot. The Foxtail Fern is native to a natural environment shaded by other plants which filtered the sun's rays down on the plant.

Soil:

Another factor that is very important in Foxtail Fern care is the kind of soil it grows in. It requires highly draining and organically rich soil. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and loamy soil provides optimum growing conditions.

The peat moss holds the moisture, while the perlite enhances the drainage to prevent waterlogging of roots. When your Foxtail Fern is ready for repotting, use a pot with drainage at the bottom to release excess water. Read more about how to repot a plant. Once the plant gets oversized, it should not be put in large pots because the extra soil holds too much water and tends to rot the roots. Excess water will smother the roots and do irreversible damage.

Water

Watering regularly is critical to keep the soil moist at all times, especially during warmer months. Fortunately, with tuberous roots, it can be reasonably drought-tolerant.

However, do not overwater. Check the top inch of soil, and water only when it has become dry to the touch. When watering your Foxtail Fern, try to mimic its natural rainfall patterns by giving it a good soaking until you see the extra come out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Avoid misting foliage directly to prevent fungal diseases. Mist around the foliage or put the pot on a tray of water so that only a minimum amount of humidity is reached. For more details read best watering tips for happy, healthy plants.

Temperature and Humidity

Foxtail Fern is known to be very temperature-tolerant. It can endure temperatures as low as 35°F (-1.5°C) and as warm as 75°F (24°C). This species, however, does best in temperatures between 60-70°F or 15-21°C. The general humidity around the plant should be relatively kept moderate for both its health and development. Keeping humidity high by regularly misting your fern or using a humidifier nearby will surely make it resemble the natural environment of a fern in the tropics but also give them a healthy growth.

Or you can create a pebble tray: fill a shallow tray with water and place the potted fern at the top, on the pebbles. This way, when the water evaporates, it will provide a greater humid microclimate around the plant. Read more about Best Tips to Look After Your Plants in the Summer Heat.

FAQ

How long until the Foxtail Fern reaches maturity?

Foxtail fern requires about three or more growing seasons before it reaches its full maturity stage. A mature one may grow up to six to eight feet wide, although most remain only around three or four feet wide for years.

How are Foxtail Ferns used in the garden?

Foxtail ferns are used as borders in perennial gardens with other blooming flowers. You may also include them in outdoor containers on walkways or at the front door of your home.

What is the difference between Foxtail Fern and Asparagus Fern?

Many mistake true foxtail fern for asparagus fern. While the two are very similar in appearance, with sometimes the same common name applied to them, there is one way to tell them apart. Asparagus fern droops downward and works really well in layered gardens and hanging baskets. Foxtail fern stands straight. They also create white flowers, which pop with red berries, very showy,

hence the confusion between the two that are not the same species.