Ming Fern Seeds -

Asparagus myriocladus — Ming Fern, Pom-Pom Asparagus Fern, or Zigzag Shrub — is a rare and elegant ornamental asparagus prized for its extraordinarily fine-textured, emerald-green foliage carried on stiff, woody, arching stems. Despite the name, it is not a true fern — it is a member of the lily family (Asparagaceae) and one of more than 400 species in the Asparagus genus. The “leaves” are technically cladodes (flattened photosynthetic branches), not true leaves. Native to arid regions of South Africa, Ming Fern is exceptionally drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. Grows 2–5 feet tall; outstanding as a container plant, houseplant, bonsai subject, or floral arrangement filler. Cannot tolerate freezing. USDA Zones 8–11.

Note: All parts of Asparagus Fern should be considered toxic if ingested. Contact with foliage may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Plant Highlights

• Extraordinarily fine-textured emerald-green foliage in fluffy tufts on stiff, woody, arching stems
• Rare ornamental asparagus — a collector’s choice; not commonly available
• Excellent indoor plant, container plant, bonsai subject, and floral arrangement filler — cut branches last 7–10 days
• Native to arid South Africa — outstanding drought tolerance and disease resistance
• Produces small white flower clusters from early spring through late summer; occasional dark berries when pollinated
• Adapts to sun through full shade; highly versatile
• USDA Zones 8–11 (no frost tolerance)

Growing Guide

Light: Partial sun to filtered shade. Bright indirect light indoors — no direct hot sun (may scorch cladodes). Too little light causes yellowing and drop. Outdoors, tolerates a range from part sun to full shade.

Temperature: Thrives at 70–75°F daytime with nighttime temperatures 10°F cooler. Cannot tolerate frost or freezing. Bring indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F.

Soil: Rich, light, slightly acidic, well-drained potting mix. Addition of peat moss to quality commercial potting soil works well.

Water: Drought tolerant but grows best with regular deep watering, especially during active growth. Reduce watering in winter and low-light conditions. Appreciates occasional misting for humidity.

Fertilizing: Fertilize several times during summer months for best growth.

Container growing: Excellent container plant — grow in a large pot to control height, or keep small for bonsai culture. Develops extensive root system with tubers that survives periods of drought.

Bonsai: When kept small, Ming Fern closely resembles a miniature pine tree — a popular and rewarding bonsai subject.

Floral use: Cut branches last 7–10 days — prized filler for bouquets, corsages, boutonnières, and table centerpieces.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Ming Fern, Pom-Pom Asparagus Fern, Zigzag Shrub, Ming Asparagus Fern
• Botanical name: Asparagus myriocladus (syn. Asparagus macowanii, Asparagus retrofractus)
• Family: Asparagaceae (lily family)
• Type: Evergreen perennial; woody ornamental
• Bloom: Small white clusters, spring through late summer; dark berries when pollinated
• Height: 2–5 feet | Spread: 2–3 feet
• USDA Zones: 8–11 (no frost tolerance)
• Light: Part sun to filtered shade; bright indirect light indoors
• Water: Drought tolerant; moderate — do not overwater
• Rate of growth: Slow
• Uses: Houseplant, container, bonsai, floral filler | Cut branch vase life: 7–10 days
• Caution: All parts toxic if ingested; foliage may cause skin irritation