Despite looking very fragile and sensitive, ornamental asparagus is one of the robust and easy-to-cultivate plants. This makes the attractive plant also suitable for people who want to gain their first experience with houseplants. You can choose between different growth forms and leaf variants.
Which types of ornamental asparagus are suitable for indoor cultivation?
There are many types of ornamental asparagus, including the shiny-leaved ornamental asparagus, Asparagus asparagoides “Myrtifolius”, Asparagos densiflorus, Asparagus densiflorus “Myersii”, “Sprengen”, “Sprengen Nanus”, “Sprengen Robustus”, Asparagus falcatus and Asparagus plumosus. All species require a lot of light, but do not tolerate direct sun.
How many types of ornamental asparagus are there?
In the natural home of ornamental asparagus, Africa, there are around three hundred different species that are optimally adapted to their respective location.
Which varieties are grown indoors?
| Art | Description |
|---|---|
| Glossy-leaved ornamental asparagus or morning glory asparagus (Asparagus aparadgoides) | It is a climbing plant with leathery false leaves about three centimeters in size. They anchor themselves firmly wherever they find support. |
| Asparagus ansparagoides “Myrtifolius” | Popular subspecies of this climbing plant. However, it produces significantly smaller leaves and grows less quickly. |
| Asparagos densiflorus | A very original species that is not often found anymore. The diverse varieties with the attractive feathery foliage go back to them. |
| Asparagus densiflorus “Myersii” | Grows upright and produces fox-tailed fronds that can grow up to fifty centimeters long. This ornamental plant is also sold commercially under the name “Mayers ornamental asparagus”. |
| Asparagus densiflorus “Blasting” | This is probably the best-known variety of ornamental asparagus. This plant has gently drooping shoots up to one meter long, which are covered with needles up to one to three centimeters long. Three of them emerge from a node. It looks very pretty if you cultivate this ornamental asparagus in a hanging basket (€13.00 on Amazon). |
| Asparagus densiflorus “Blasting Nanus” | A dwarf form with filigree, delicate leaves. It is well suited for confined spaces. |
| Asparagus densiflorus “Blast Robustus” | Very vigorous and robust. This ornamental asparagus doesn't mind even severe pruning. |
| Asparagus falcatus | Forms a short trunk from which branched, tightly striving leaf shoots grow. |
| Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus setaceus “Plumosus”) | Has quite firm stems. The false leaves form a small crown, which makes the plant look like a fern. This variety is therefore also sold in stores as “fern asparagus”. There is also a small type of this ornamental asparagus, Asparagus setaceus “Nanus”, which is often used for plant pots. |
Tip
All types of ornamental asparagus require a bright location. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as the intense green false leaves turn unsightly yellow in strong sunlight.
