Despite its delicate growth, ornamental asparagus is a surprisingly robust and easy-care plant. In the summer months you can easily cultivate the plant outdoors. Ornamental asparagus, on the other hand, does not tolerate frost well and will only survive the cold season unscathed if you offer it good conditions.
Is ornamental asparagus hardy?
The ornamental asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus) is not hardy, does not tolerate frost and requires winter quarters with a temperature between 10 and 15 degrees. For optimal growth, it needs a lot of light even in winter and should not dry out completely.
The right location
A place where the temperature is between 10 and 15 degrees is optimal. The heated living room or even a window sill above a radiator are unsuitable.
The plant needs a lot of light even in the winter months. Unlike in the summer months, it can even tolerate a location in full sun.
When does the ornamental asparagus have to move to winter quarters?
If you cultivate Asparagus densiflorus on the balcony or terrace during the warm season, it should be brought into the house at the latest when the outside temperature falls below the values mentioned above.
Moisture requirements in winter
Make sure that the root ball never completely dries out, even in the winter months. Lack of water causes the false leaves to turn yellow and the leaves to fall off.
- Water whenever the surface of the substrate feels dry (thumb test).
- Alternatively, you can immerse the planter in a bucket filled with water until no more air bubbles appear.
Tip away any excess water that collects in the saucer after a few minutes. How to prevent root rot.
What should you watch out for in spring?
Do not put the ornamental asparagus back outdoors until it has become warm outside and the temperatures are permanently in the double-digit range.
Get Asparagus densiflorus slowly used to the changed site conditions. If you immediately place the plant in full sun, the leaves will turn yellow. However, if the location is too dark, for example on a sunny balcony near the wall of the house, the ornamental asparagus forms unsightly light shoots.
Tip
The dry air in the winter quarters can be a problem for ornamental asparagus. Therefore, place a bowl of water next to the plant and spray the false leaves regularly.
