Some people only know ornamental asparagus as a decorative green in tied bouquets. The delicate plant, which is surprisingly easy to care for and easy to cultivate, is currently experiencing a revival as a green plant. In a bright location, it forms numerous false leaves and, with a bit of luck, also strongly fragrant, small white flowers. If Asparagus densiflorus feels comfortable, it can reach a considerable size and a pruning is necessary.

Ornamental asparagus can grow quite large

Does the ornamental asparagus have to be cut?

This care measure is only necessary if the plant takes up too much space. If you have cut a bouquet of flowers in the garden and need a little extra greenery, you can safely remove a few false leaves.

How is pruning done?

  • If only individual shoot tips turn yellow, for example because you forgot to water them, you can cut off the leaves just above the substrate.
  • If all the green has withered, you should put Asparagus densiflorus back on the main shoot. Provided there is a sufficient water supply, it drives out again willingly.
  • Even if the ornamental asparagus has grown too big, you can cut it back heavily.

If possible, this care measure should not be carried out in winter, since the plant is then in the resting phase and pruning is not always forgiving.

In order for the ornamental asparagus to form many strong false leaves, good humidity is also required. Place a container filled with liquid next to the ornamental asparagus and spray the newly formed leaves daily with low-lime, room-temperature water.

Are cut fronds suitable for propagation?

Unlike many indoor plants, ornamental asparagus cannot be propagated by cuttings. However, when repotting, you can divide the storage organ to get multiple plants. Alternatively, you can get the seeds from the red berries. When fresh, these are very germinable and develop strong young plants within about two months.

tips

With good care and in the right location, the ornamental asparagus forms white flowers, from which orange-red berries develop. These contain toxins that can be dangerous to small children and pets. To avoid poisoning, you can either pick them off or, if the plant is quite large, cut out the flowering fronds.

Category:

Indoor plants