Ming Fern Seeds -

Asparagus-myriocladus, 

Rare ornamental asparagus

Make good indoor plants.

A tall growing species with woody stems that produce very fine textured foliage. Excellent container plant, but cannot tolerate freezes. Needs several hours of sunlight each day for best performance. Fertilize several times during the summer months.

The ming fern is a perennial evergreen fern with strong, woody stems and vibrantly emerald green shrubbery. It is a hardy plant that grows 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) tall, but may also be used as a bonsai plant or for other ornamental purposes. The ming fern is known by the botanical namesAsparagus macowanii and Asparagus retrofractus. Common names for the plant include mingasparagus fern, zigzag shrub and pom pom asparagus fern.

Ming ferns feature fluffy green tufts formed from small, fine needle-like foliage. The tufts are not leaves, but cladodes, which are flattened branches that resemble leaves. The tufts cover the plant’s woody, stiff branches, which are typically gray. The ferns produce small, white or near-white flowers that bloom in clusters from early spring to late summer. If pollinated, the flowers may product small, dark fruit. Handlers should take care to avoid the fern’s sharp spines, which may cause injury.

Gardeners prize the ming fern for its durability and resistance to disease. The plant does equally well in conditions from sun to full shade, although too much sun may result in yellow or brown foliage. A native of arid regions of South Africa, ming ferns are known for a high tolerance todrought and require very little water to thrive.

The ming fern has three primary uses: as a garden plant, as an indoor plant and as part of floral arrangements. In the garden, ming ferns adapt well to a variety of soil conditions and can also function nicely as a border plant. It develops an extensive root system with tubers that allows it to survive conditions from drought to heavy rain. Other gardeners prefer to grow the ming fern in a container to stop it from growing too tall.

The fern also flourishes as an indoor plant. One popular use of the fern indoors is for bonsai, the practice of growing and shaping a miniature tree. Kept small for bonsai, the fern resembles a pine tree seedling. Just as in the garden, the fern will adapt to a variety of light, water and soil conditions indoors.

The ming fern often plays a supporting role in floral arrangements because its cut branches can last for seven to 10 days. Ming ferns are seen as decorative filler in flower arrangements, and the plant also is ideal for filler in boutonnieres, corsages and table centerpieces.

Despite its name, the ming fern is not a true fern. It is a member of the lily family and one of more than 400 plants in the Asparagus genus. Although known as one of the asparagus ferns, ming ferns are not edible, nor are they a vegetable. The nickname asparagus fern comes both from the Ming fern’s genus and from its resemblance as a seedling to asparagus stalks.


This plant requires or will tolerate shade during the heat of the dayThis plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic wateringThis plant needs a thorough, deep weekly watering, Double icons require boggy or wet conditionsHousePlant IconWhite flowering plantA Foxtail Fern, Asparagus meyeriHow to Use the Plant Care Icons at The Garden Helper
There are several different species and varieties of Asparagus Fern that have been grown as house plants since the late 19th century because they are are one of the fastest growing, least demanding, easiest to care for plants for growing indoors. Asparagus Ferns produce tiny white flowers in late summer to fall, and will occasionally form red or black berries. They can be trained to cascade down from a hanging planter, or to grow up a totem as a vine.

These are not true ferns but are in fact members of the Lily family.
The needle-like 'leaves' are actually called cladodes which perform the process of photosynthesis.
The actual leaves are tiny and scale-like, appearing where the cladode meets the stem.
All parts of the Asparagus Fern should be considered toxic when ingested.
Contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation.
Growing Requirements of Asparagus Ferns

Asparagus Ferns are only hardy in USDA zone 9 and warmer. They all require the same basic care,
whether they are grown in the garden or in containers, as house plants.
They grow best in bright, indirect light without any full sun. Direct, hot sunlight can scorch the 'needles', while insufficient light will often cause them to yellow or drop.
They thrive in daytime temperatures of 70°-75° with it 10° cooler at night.

Asparagus Ferns should be planted in rich, light, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
The addition of peat moss to a good, commercial potting soil will take care of this requirement.
While Asparagus Ferns will tolerate short periods of drought, they grow best when they are given plenty of water, especially when they are actively growing. In low light conditions, your Asparagus Fern will need less water, especially during the winter months. They appreciate higher humidity and an occasional misting, but this is a case where they 'appreciate' it, more that they NEED it.


Scientific Name: Asparagus myriocladus
Common Name: Ming Fern
Plant Type: Evergreen
Leaf Type: Broadleaf
Hardiness Zone: 8, 9, 10, 11 Determine Your Zone
Height: 2- 5 feet
Spread: 2 -3 feet
Light Exposure: Part Sun, Filtered Shade
Drainage: Well drained, Moist
Rate of Growth: Slow
Water Requirement: Medium
Maintenance Level: Medium
Susceptible to insects
and diseases: No
Landscape Categories:
Comments: Make good indoor plants. A tall growing species with woody stems that produce very fine textured foliage. Excellent container plant, but cannot tolerate freezes. Needs several hours of sunlight each day for best performance. Fertilize several times during the summer months.

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