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Foxtail Fern

Asparagus aethiopicus

Original price $59.99 - Original price $599.90
Original price $119.98
$59.99 each
$59.99 - $449.93
Current price $59.99 each

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Will thrive in

Not suited for outdoor growing in

Select Size: 0-1 Feet 0-12" Tall
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Foxtail Fern also known as Asparagus Fern, is an easy-to-care-for perennial with soft, needle-like foliage. It prefers bright indirect light and well-draining soil, tolerates occasional neglect, and can be propagated by division.

Foxtail Fern: The Easy-Care Plant with Lush Texture

The Foxtail Fern brings effortless elegance to your home with its lush, feathery fronds that practically care for themselves. Forget frantic watering schedules - this easygoing beauty flourishes in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Simply water when the top inch of soil dries, and watch your Foxtail Fern add a touch of natural serenity to your space for years to come.

  • Lush, feathery fronds add a touch of nature indoors
  • Low maintenance beauty that practically takes care of itself
  • Grows beautifully in pots, perfect for apartments or small spaces
  • Lush, feathery fronds add a touch of nature indoors

The Foxtail Fern’s captivating foliage is a textural masterpiece, offering a year-round display of soft, feathery green. Imagine countless, slender stems, each a rich emerald hue, reaching upwards and gracefully arching outward. These stems aren’t smooth and round like typical plant stems, but rather resemble tightly bundled, modified leaves.

Each “leaf” is actually a needle-like structure, so thin and soft it feels almost feathery to the touch. This creates a wonderfully airy and full appearance, with the individual needles catching the light and shimmering like a cascade of soft green rain. As spring unfolds, new growth emerges a vibrant lime green, adding a touch of fresh energy to the established foliage. Throughout summer, the color matures to a deeper, richer emerald, creating a sense of lush fullness. As autumn arrives, the vibrant tones may subtly soften to a more relaxed, forest green, lending a touch of earthy warmth to your surroundings.

Foxtail Fern Planting Distance

Image demonstrates how far apart to plant Foxtail Fern

How to Plant Foxtail Fern

Choose the Right Spot

Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, east-facing windows are ideal (if indoors). Use a well-draining potting mix.

Measure the Space

Foxtail Ferns can reach 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. Allow 4 feet between plants for individual specimens.

Plant It

Carefully remove your Foxtail Fern from its nursery pot. Place the root ball in a pot slightly larger than the nursery container. Ensure the root crown sits level with the potting mix in the new pot. Backfill the pot with potting mix, gently tamping to remove air pockets.

Water Thoroughly

Water your newly planted Foxtail Fern until water runs out the drainage holes. Allow excess water to drain completely before placing the pot back in its cover.

Mulch and Care

Mulch is not necessary for Foxtail Ferns in pots. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering or letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.

Why Choose Foxtail Fern?

Not only is the Foxtail Fern beautifully simple and elegant, it’s also a natural air purifier, filtering out toxins and replacing them with a sense of purity and renewal. Let this botanical wonder weave its magic into your sanctuary. Buy your Foxtail Fern today and experience the transformative power of nature’s elegance.

Watering

Water your Foxtail Fern when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Sunlight

Foxtail Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves. East-facing windows are ideal.

Soil Maintenance

Repot your Foxtail Fern every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the container. Use a well-draining potting mix.

Pruning

Regularly remove dead or brown fronds to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth. You can also pinch back leggy stems to promote bushier growth.

Fertilizing

During the spring and summer, fertilize your Foxtail Fern once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Winter Care

Reduce watering during winter as the plant goes into a semi-dormant state. However, don’t let the soil dry out completely.

Pest and Disease Control

Foxtail Ferns are generally pest and disease resistant. However, keep an eye out for mealybugs and scale. You can treat these with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Spacing and Air Circulation

Provide adequate space for your Foxtail Fern to grow. Avoid overcrowding plants, which can restrict airflow and promote disease.

Upon Arrival

Your Foxtail Fern may arrive slightly dry from its journey. Give it a thorough watering until water runs out the drainage holes. Allow excess water to drain completely before placing it in its pot cover.

During the First Year

Newly planted Foxtail Ferns require more consistent moisture to establish their roots. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the plant completely dry out or sit in waterlogged soil.

After the First Year

Established Foxtail Ferns are more tolerant of slight dryness. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent moisture.

Extra Tips

Always water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. Opt for room temperature water as cold water can shock the roots. Observe your plant and adjust watering frequency based on light conditions, temperature, and pot size.

Upon Arrival

Newly purchased Foxtail Ferns don’t need immediate fertilization. They likely received fertilizer from the grower and are focusing on acclimating to their new environment.

During the First Year

During the active growing season (spring and summer), you can lightly fertilize your Foxtail Fern once a month with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Opt for half the recommended strength to avoid burning the delicate roots.

After the First Year

Established Foxtail Ferns can be fertilized monthly during spring and summer, or you can switch to a less frequent routine of fertilizing every other month.

Extra Tips

Always fertilize on moist soil to avoid root shock. Opt for organic fertilizers or water-soluble formulas for easy application. During winter, when growth slows, withhold fertilizer altogether and resume feeding in spring.

Timing

The best time to prune your Foxtail Fern is during the spring or summer growing season. Avoid pruning during winter when the plant is semi-dormant.

Tools Needed

Sharp shears or pruning scissors are all you need for basic pruning.

Initial Inspection

Begin by inspecting your Foxtail Fern for any dead, brown, or discolored fronds. These can be removed to improve the overall appearance of the plant.

Pruning Steps

Identify the dead or brown frond you want to remove. Trace the frond down to its base where it emerges from the main stem or soil. Using your sharp shears, make a clean cut at the base of the frond. Avoid cutting into healthy green growth.

Maintaining Air Circulation

For bushier growth and to prevent disease, consider pruning leggy stems or overcrowded areas to improve air circulation within the plant.

Post-Pruning Care

After pruning, water your Foxtail Fern well to encourage new growth. You can also apply a light misting to the foliage to help the plant recover from minor pruning cuts.

Is a Foxtail Fern a true fern?
No, despite its name, the Foxtail Fern is not a true fern. It’s actually a member of the asparagus family.
Is the Foxtail Fern easy to care for?
Absolutely! Foxtail Ferns are known for being low-maintenance plants. They thrive with bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Just water them when the top inch of soil dries out.
Is the Foxtail Fern toxic?
Yes, the Foxtail Fern is mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and curious animals.
How big do Foxtail Ferns get?
Foxtail Ferns can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, making them ideal for medium-sized pots or container gardens.
My Foxtail Fern’s fronds are turning brown. What’s wrong?
There are a few possible reasons. The most common culprit is overwatering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Brown fronds can also be a sign of underwatering, so check the moisture level of the soil.
Does the Foxtail Fern need fertilizer?
Foxtail Ferns are not heavy feeders, but they appreciate a monthly dose of balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the spring and summer growing season.
Can I grow a Foxtail Fern outdoors?
Yes, Foxtail Ferns can thrive outdoors in zones 9-11 where temperatures don’t dip below 20-25°F. They prefer dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade.
How do I repot a Foxtail Fern?
Repot your Foxtail Fern every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the container. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix.
My Foxtail Fern seems leggy. What can I do?
Leggy growth can be a sign of insufficient light. Try moving your Foxtail Fern to a brighter location. You can also prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of healthy stems to promote branching.

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