What it is: This listing is sold as an asparagus fern, but it is not a true fern. NC State Extension places it in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), as Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri group), also called emerald fern or Sprengeri fern. The feathery shoots are cladodes, not fern fronds.

Light: Give it bright, indirect light or light shade; NC State Extension says it is intolerant of direct sunlight and wet soils, and that it will also grow in full shade, with the foliage a lighter green. A grow bulb helps in our dark winters.

Watering & care: Water regularly in spring through autumn and sparingly in winter (NC State Extension). Empty any saucer so the pot does not sit in water.

Humidity: Average household air is often fine, but dry indoor winter air can still brown tips. A humidifier helps if the room is very dry.

Temperature: These plants are frost tender. NC State Extension lists USDA zones 9a to 11b, notes that even a light frost can kill the top growth, and says to take container plants indoors before the first frost. Keep it off cold glass.

Winter indoors: Water sparingly in winter (NC State Extension). Keep it in a bright, frost-free window or under a grow bulb.

Expected indoor size: NC State Extension describes an indoor plant reaching a height of up to 3 feet, and the dimensions table is 1.5 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Habit can be dense and compact to wide-spreading.

Feeding: Feed lightly during the growing season with our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food. Pinch stem tips to keep it denser, or cut stems back to the soil if you need to reshape it; the plant can then resprout (NC State Extension).

Pets & pests: This is not a true fern. The ASPCA lists Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus cv. sprengeri) as toxic to dogs and cats (allergic dermatitis with repeated skin contact; berry ingestion can cause vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea). NC State Extension lists low-severity poison characteristics for the Sprengeri group: eating berries may cause gastrointestinal problems, and sap can irritate skin, and tags it as a problem for cats, dogs and horses. Wear gloves if the stems are spiny, and keep berries out of reach. Watch for mites, slugs, aphids and mealybugs (NC State Extension).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular frond length, fullness or colour. The options listed (2-1/2", 4", 6") refer to the pot or container size. They do not guarantee an exact frond length, fullness or colour. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Ferns as inspiration.