In your garden, lush green ferns (Tracheophyta, USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 10) are simple to grow and thrive in moist, shady environments. The foxtail fern (Asparagaceae) is one of many varieties of outdoor ferns. The foxtail fern grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, so if you’re wondering whether it’s an annual or perennial, it is. When it comes to keeping your garden tidy and manageable, you might need to know whether to cut it or pull it.
In an effort to enhance the health of the plant or the appearance of your garden, you can prune brown foxtail ferns.
The foxtail fern, according to Monrovia, provides excellent texture and contrast to garden beds. Its name comes from its bushy, bright green appearance, which resembles a fox tail. Given that this plant is a perennial, it should come back each year provided your winter temperatures are suitable.
Contrary to popular belief, foxtail ferns are technically not ferns at all because they are members of the asparagus family. While Asparagaceae, like the foxtail fern, are seed-replicated, ferns reproduce by spores. The foxtail certainly resembles many fern family members, but appearances can be deceiving. Given this plant’s scientific classification, it is not surprising that foxtail ferns are also known as asparagus ferns and occasionally Myers ferns.
Foxtail ferns can reach heights and widths of about 2 to 3 feet, but they only remain evergreen in regions with mild winters. With their tiny white blooms in the spring and red berries in the fall, they also make wonderful indoor plants. You can largely leave these plants alone as long as you provide them with the proper type of soil, water, light, and humidity.
Numerous ferns can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but they should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Outdoor ferns come in a variety of varieties, each requiring a different level of maintenance. They can add a lush, tropical feel to your garden. Although they don’t produce flowers, they have a range of colors and textures.
Several of MasterClass’s favorite, simple-to-grow outdoor ferns are listed, some of which can also be grown indoors. Nephrolepis exaltata, which grows in zones 9 through 11, has recognizable arching branches and prefers cooler temperatures and full or partial shade. This fern also looks lovely in hanging baskets. The fronds of the maidenhair fern (Adiantum, zones 8 through 10) have dark stripes and are bright green. This plant prefers humid environments. A lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, zones 4 through 9) can be identified by its attractive red and purple stalks, but it is toxic to animals.
A variety of the wood fern, the autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora, zones 5 through 9) can withstand full shade to indirect light. The cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea, zones 3 through 9) and the Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides, zones 3 through 9) are two additional hardy outdoor ferns. Cinnamon ferns, which can reach heights of six feet, are common in areas that resemble swamps, such as the Ozarks. Evergreen Christmas ferns have dark-green, long, leathery fronds that resemble pine needles.
In the asparagus family, there are numerous additional fern species. Asparagus desniflorus, which grows in zones 9 through 11, is the most typical asparagus fern and has noticeably thick and upright stems. Asparagus aethiopicus, also known as Sprenger’s asparagus, grows its stems downward rather than straight up (zones 9 through 11). Both of these varieties, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Horticulture Division of Extension, can survive in zone 7, but they need to be protected.
Asparagus ferns are indigenous to rain forests, open, rocky areas, coastal dunes, and other shady, sandy areas. Their rounded, bright green stems can reach a length of 6 feet and range in color from green to brown. They have short, flattened stems called “cladodes” and needlelike leaves. In some parts of Texas, Hawaii, and Florida, these plants are regarded as invasive weeds. You might want to remove your asparagus ferns, including the foxtail fern, if they are destroying other plants in your garden and invading them.
Plant foxtail ferns in full sun or light shade. However, they won’t spread out as much if they are planted in full sunlight. Although 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is their preferred range, they can thrive in lower temperatures as well. When there is a chance of frost or freezing temperatures, avoid planting them outside because they might not survive if the temperature falls to or below 25 degrees.
Although these ferns are not picky about their soil, they will benefit most from moist, slightly acidic, and rich organic matter soil. When planting, you can use as much compost as you’d like. They are more tolerant of drought than other plants because their main root (taproot) systems store water. Once a week, deeply water foxtail ferns to promote downward root growth. After watering, the ground should be damp but not drenched; wait three inches before watering again.
You might not need to fertilize if you’ve composted your foxtail fern. Otherwise, apply granular, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring, summer, and fall. During the growing season, you can also apply half-strength liquid fertilizer once per month, advises Gardenologist.
Foxtail ferns grow rather quickly and even surprisingly so. If you want to keep them under control and keep your garden looking kempt and attractive, you can trim them. Using a pair of scissors or garden shears, remove any brown stems to promote green growth.
Prior to cutting, make sure your tools are sharp and clean to prevent plant disease. It is never a good idea to remove the brown growth with your hands because doing so could harm the plant. It likely wouldn’t feel very good on your hands regardless.
Foxtail ferns don’t need to be pruned, but they can spread out and take over certain areas of your garden. To keep the plants healthy, it’s a good idea to remove the brown growth. If you see a lot of brown spots, there might be something wrong with the plant. Check to see if it is not being watered enough. It could also be getting too much sun.
Overwatering is the most frequent reason for a yellowing asparagus fern. This may be a result of overwatering or ill-draining soil, which can prevent the roots from receiving adequate oxygen. Remember that these plants require less water in the winter and in low light conditions.
For asparagus ferns, use a soil mix that contains 60% peat, 30% perlite, and 10% compost. When watering a houseplant like an asparagus fern, observe how long it takes for the water to drain. If the soil is not draining well, it might be best to repot the plant. Since they are porous, terra-cotta pots are a good option, but always check to see if the pots have drainage holes. Give asparagus ferns the necessary humidity and indirect light whenever you are growing them.
Underwatering can also make asparagus ferns turn yellow. Yellowed leaf tips can be caused by inconsistent watering or by prolonged periods of not watering; if this condition is not treated, it will eventually spread throughout the foliage. Once a week, give foxtail ferns a thorough watering, and then wait until the top 3 inches of the soil or potting mix are completely dry before watering them again. Hold off until the soil is sufficiently dry if it is still wet after a week.
Upstate New York native Danielle Smyth works as a writer and content marketer. She graduated from Pace University with a Master of Science in Publishing. She enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a range of related industries, and she runs her own content marketing company called Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity.
Propagating Foxtail Fern
The best time to divide foxtail ferns is in the spring because it is the simplest method of propagation. Always use a sharp knife or spade to cut through the center of the plant when dividing ferns. Make sure each divided piece has healthy roots and greenery after it has been dug up. When replanting, the initial watering should be generous.
Heres how to propagate through division:
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How to Grow Fox Tail Fern From Seed
The tiny red berries on the foxtail fern plant contain seeds that can be used to grow more plants. This technique is just as effective as dividing an established fern, but the resulting plants will not be fully mature for two to three growing seasons.
Heres how to grow foxtail fern from seed:
Foxtail ferns can reach heights and widths of about 2 to 3 feet, but they only remain evergreen in regions with mild winters. With their tiny white blooms in the spring and red berries in the fall, they also make wonderful indoor plants. You can largely leave these plants alone as long as you provide them with the proper type of soil, water, light, and humidity.
Underwatering can also make asparagus ferns turn yellow. Yellowed leaf tips can be caused by inconsistent watering or by prolonged periods of not watering; if this condition is not treated, it will eventually spread throughout the foliage. Once a week, give foxtail ferns a thorough watering, and then wait until the top 3 inches of the soil or potting mix are completely dry before watering them again. Hold off until the soil is sufficiently dry if it is still wet after a week.
Foxtail ferns don’t need to be pruned, but they can spread out and take over certain areas of your garden. To keep the plants healthy, it’s a good idea to remove the brown growth. If you see a lot of brown spots, there might be something wrong with the plant. Check to see if it is not being watered enough. It could also be getting too much sun.
Foxtail ferns grow rather quickly and even surprisingly so. If you want to keep them under control and keep your garden looking kempt and attractive, you can trim them. Using a pair of scissors or garden shears, remove any brown stems to promote green growth.
Plant foxtail ferns in full sun or light shade. However, they won’t spread out as much if they are planted in full sunlight. Although 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is their preferred range, they can thrive in lower temperatures as well. When there is a chance of frost or freezing temperatures, avoid planting them outside because they might not survive if the temperature falls to or below 25 degrees.