Some people only know ornamental asparagus as decorative greenery in tied bouquets. The delicate plant, which is surprisingly easy to care for and easy to cultivate, is currently experiencing a revival as a green plant. In a bright location it produces numerous false leaves and, with a bit of luck, strongly fragrant, small white flowers. If Asparagus densiflorus feels comfortable, it can reach a considerable size and pruning becomes necessary.
When and how should you cut ornamental asparagus?
Ornamental asparagus should be cut if it becomes too large or individual shoot tips turn yellow. Remove the affected false leaves just above the substrate or cut the entire plant back to the main stem. Avoid pruning in winter as the plant is dormant.
Does the ornamental asparagus need to be cut?
This care measure is only necessary if the plant takes up too much space. If you have cut a bouquet of flowers in the garden and need a little additional greenery, you can safely remove a few false leaves.
How to prune?
- If only individual shoot tips turn yellow, for example because you forgot to water, you can cut off the leaves just above the substrate.
- If all the greenery has withered, you should cut Asparagus densiflorus back to the main shoot. Provided there is sufficient water supply, it will sprout again willingly.
- Even if the ornamental asparagus has become too large, you can cut it back severely.
If possible, this care measure should not be carried out in winter, as the plant is then in the dormant phase and does not always forgive pruning.
So that the ornamental asparagus forms many strong false leaves, good humidity is also required. Place a container filled with liquid next to the ornamental asparagus and spray the newly formed leaves daily with low-lime, room temperature water.
Are cut fronds suitable for propagation?
Unlike many houseplants, ornamental asparagus cannot be propagated from cuttings. However, you can divide the storage organ when repotting to obtain multiple plants. Alternatively, you can get the seeds from the red berries. When fresh, these are very capable of germinating and produce strong young plants within about two months.
Tip
With good care and in the right location, ornamental asparagus produces white flowers from which orange-red berries develop. These contain toxins that can be dangerous to small children and pets. To avoid poisoning, you can either pick them off or, if the plant is quite large, cut out the flowering fronds.
