Dividing Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus myersii)
Today, we're diving into a re-potting project – working with our foxtail ferns. Despite their name, these plants are technically from the asparagus family, not ferns. Officially known as ‘Asparagus densiflorus meyersii’, these plants can add lush greenery to your collection. In today's post, I'll walk you through the process of dividing these plants to boost your foliage program.
Understanding Foxtail Ferns
Before we start, it's crucial to understand the nature of these plants. Foxtail ferns feature beautiful tuberous storage roots. The roots require specific conditions to thrive. “Wet feet” can indeed hinder their growth as they are unlike traditional ferns.
Sourcing and Purchasing
For those looking to expand their garden quickly, Florida Foliage is a resource for purchasing foxtail fern plugs. They offer quantities ranging from 10 to 40 plants. It’s important to note that they ship plants upon purchase, not based on your local growing seasons, so plan accordingly.
Dividing the Plants: Step-by-Step
Given that late winter and early spring is perfect for plant division, I decided to dive into dividing my ferns. Follow these steps for best results:
Inspect the Roots: Check your foxtail ferns. If the plants are root bound with lots of storage nodes crammed into the pot, or if the soil is heavy and wet at the bottom, it's time to repot them. Start by gently removing one plant from its pot to inspect it.
Prepare for Division: Look for natural divisions in the root system, which often appear like elongated tuberous tendrils. The goal is to keep some ‘eye divisions’ and growing stems on each piece.
Cut with Care: Use clean pruners to slice through the crown carefully. Initially cut the plant into two, but don't hesitate to create more divisions if your feel there is enough energy and root mass, and you have time to let them grow.
Planting the Divisions: Prepare pots with a mix of two-thirds soilless mix and one-third compost, plus slow-release fertilizer, like Osmocote, to nourish the plants over the coming months. Place the plant crowns just above the soil surface to avoid rot.
Multiplying Your Stock
Following this method, I turned six foxtail ferns into eighteen.
As a bonus project, I'm applying the same method to my Japanese Holly Ferns, aiming to increase four plants to twelve.
Conclusion
Dividing and replanting foxtail ferns is an excellent way to enhance your cur flower foliage. These robust plants gain energy in spring and summer, providing ample greenery as the colder months approach.
I hope this guide encourages you to expand your program. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments, and happy gardening!