Asparagus pinnate – fast-growing “cobweb”, or “chill” care

Asparagus pinnate is the fluffiest and most airy of the bright green houseplants. Beautiful, densely dissected greens of flexible, long shoots – one of the inimitable advantages of the plant. The fast-growing “cobweb” will easily outshine competitors in terms of airiness, tiering, and the ability to bring lightness and harmony into the interior. Unfortunately, the plant reveals its beauty only in the right conditions. Setaceus cannot be called very difficult to grow asparagus, but it does not tolerate negligence either. This is one of the most capricious types of indoor asparagus, reacting poorly to dampness, drying out of the substrate and dry air.

Asparagus pinnate – fast-growing “cobweb”, or “chill”
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One of the most common relatives of garden asparagus-chill in room culture asparagus setaceus (Asparagus setaceus) – indoor, greenhouse and bouquet plant. Its airy leaves add elegance to bouquets and compositions, they look great both in ordinary pots and in ampels.

Asparagus setaceus, feathery, bristly, bristly and just asparagus setaceus – as soon as this special species of asparagus is not called! But there are also popular nicknames – “cobweb”, “chill”, “bride’s tree”. In Europe, the plant is known as asparagus-fern or climbing asparagus (fern asparagus, climbing asparagus), but this representative of the Asparagus family has nothing to do with ferns, although the structure of the leaves really remotely resembles luxurious fronds.

These are evergreen dwarf shrubs, the maximum size of which in a room format depends on the age, variety and their condition. Setaceus asparagus shoots may not be limited to 1,5 m in length, the older the bush, the worse the lighting in winter, the longer the โ€œarrowsโ€. Pinnate asparagus grow quickly, but sometimes they are unpleasantly surprised by the uneven growth and release of “naked” shoots – not branching, growing only in length of twigs-lashes, which begin to “puff” only after a considerable time (up to several months).

Thin, densely branching, non-rigid, flexible stems bend beautifully, curl, droop in arcs, sag at the ends and cling to everything around, making the bushes appear tiered and even more transparent, albeit enviably lush. Asparagus stems are often mistaken for huge leaves, but this impression is deceiving. Modified shoots – cladodia – look like needle-shaped leaves up to 7 mm long.

Collected in whorls of up to 15 pieces on numerous lateral branches, they create the very transparent, complex, beautiful patterns of delicate airy shoots. An unexpected contrast to the delicate greenery is introduced by rare thorns that easily cling to clothing.

Blossoming of pinnate asparagus may not be noticed. It begins at the age of 10 years. From spring to autumn, tiny bell-shaped flowers with a diameter of less than 0,5 cm are replaced by miniature green berries, which are gradually repainted almost in ink color. Asparagus fruits of this species, like any other asparagus, are toxic, so growing asparagus setaceus should be done with caution.

Asparagus setaceusAsparagus setaceus. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Danielle Noce

Growing conditions for indoor asparagus

The love of coolness and fear of the sun, which are characteristic of pinnate asparagus, are often ignored by flower growers. And this is where the main problems in growing this plant begin.

Lighting and placement

Asparagus setaceus can be classified as lovers of fairly secluded lighting. Partial shade, soft light from northern windows or the middle of rooms with southern windows are ideal. This asparagus cannot stand the direct sun, it quickly “burns out”. But for the winter, the lighting for asparagus must be increased, otherwise the plant will lose some of the greenery, and new shoots will remain “naked” until the resumption of comfortable lighting.

Asparagus setaceus can be found at any “viewing level” in the spacious lobby, lobby, living room, and study. Because of the love for high humidity, the bushes feel great in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in winter gardens.

Read also our article Asparagus Sprenger – the best option for cascading landscaping.

Temperature control and ventilation

The minimum indicators that asparagus setaceus can withstand is 7 degrees Celsius, but without prejudice to the greenery, it is better not to allow the temperature to fall below 12 degrees. During the entire phase of active growing season, pinnate asparagus prefers a moderate, cool temperature. Greenery achieves the greatest decorativeness if the maximum indicators are limited to 22 degrees (the ideal is about 18 degrees). The heat must be compensated for by increasing access to fresh air and increasing air humidity.

Asparagus setaceus does not like heating devices, air conditioners and drafts very much. And at the same time she loves fresh air and regular ventilation. In the summer, the bushes can be placed on the balcony, terrace, in the garden, in a shaded place.

Ideal for asparagus setaceus - partial shade, soft light from northern windows, or middle rooms with southern windowsIdeal for asparagus setaceus – partial shade, soft light from northern windows, or middle rooms with southern windows

Caring for asparagus setaceus at home

Extremely susceptible to waterlogging, this asparagus is difficult to maintain and often appears more moody than other indoor asparagus. Measures to increase air humidity cannot be dispensed with.

Watering and air humidity

Asparagus setaceus needs very careful watering, with the top of the substrate drying out. The plant categorically does not tolerate dampness, stagnant water in the pallets, but the complete drying of the soil inevitably affects the greenery. Standard watering – up to 3 times a week in summer. For the winter, watering is halved.

This type of asparagus prefers high air humidity, about 70%. For him, you can both carry out frequent spraying, and install pallets with wet pebbles.

Asparagus love warm showers, they can be โ€œbathedโ€ every week in summer, protecting them from drafts. To remove dust from greenery, showering and spraying are also suitable.

Top dressing and composition of fertilizers

This is a species extremely demanding on the nutritional value of the soil, for which it is better not to stop feeding completely even in winter. During active growing season, standard portions of fertilizers are applied every 2-3 weeks, in autumn and winter – half the usual amount every month.

Asparagus pinnate reacts sensitively to a lack of iron and nitrogen. It is better for him to choose fertilizers for decorative deciduous plants.

Asparagus setaceus can be sprayed frequentlyAsparagus setaceus can be sprayed frequently. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Seou Chi Kien

Trimming and shaping

The branches that have lost their decorative effect, including those that dry out, turn yellow, turn black, are cut off completely, to the base, stimulating the growth of young branches. Partial cutting is not very decorative and not effective: after shortening, the branch will still dry out.

When grown in ordinary pots, asparagus setaceus, as it grows, most often needs support or direction along furniture, twisting shoots.

Also read our article 10 Best Fast Growing Houseplants.

Transplant, containers and substrate

It is better not to transplant asparagus until the plant begins to bulge out of the pot by itself – before it overgrows the containers. It is advisable to limit the timing of transplanting in the spring with the beginning of active growth (until the first new leaf is fully unfolded). But if the humidity of the air rises, you can, if necessary, reload the plants in summer.

Asparagus setaceus prefers large, classic containers with a height slightly over the diameter and good drainage holes. The volume of the pots is increased each time by 3-5 cm. If the containers are no longer possible to increase, the bushes of the plant can be divided.

As a substrate for the plant, you can use any nutritious universal neutral or slightly acidic soil (pH from 5,5 to 7,0). The ideal mixture is considered to be a mixture based on leafy soil with turf and sand (4: 2: 1).

You need to handle the plant carefully. Pinnate asparagus do not like root injuries, they can begin to dry out, even if the slightest negligence is allowed. A high drainage is laid at the bottom of the new pots and the setaceus is transferred, maintaining the level of deepening.

Diseases, pests and growing problems

The main enemy of pinnate asparagus is aphid, which loves to settle on young shoots of the plant. To combat this insect, you need to immediately start treating it with insecticides. Rarely, but spider mites and scale insects are found on this species of asparagus.

Yellowing of the shoots may indicate a lack of iron. But the most dangerous are dry air, overflows leading to decay, lack of light or direct sun – the main reasons for drying out, stopping growth, and non-opening of shoots.

Asparagus setaceus can be divided and grown from seedAsparagus setaceus can be divided and grown from seed. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com inplanty

Reproduction of overgrown asparagus

This type of asparagus can be separated every 3-5 years, because setaceus grows quickly and rejuvenation is welcome. It is necessary to divide the bushes carefully, into large parts with powerful roots. Until growth resumes, it is necessary to maintain light soil moisture and high air moisture.

Asparagus setaceus is also grown from seeds. They are sown in spring, after soaking in warm water, in any light substrate, shallow (up to 0,5 cm) and sparsely, under glass or film. Since asparagus seeds should germinate in the dark, you can play it safe and additionally cover the containers with dark film or paper, but usually such measures are needed only for surface sowing.

Germination temperature is 23 to 25 degrees. The shelter is removed immediately, increasing the lighting to the maximum available diffusely bright. You should not rush to dive, letting the seedlings grow up to 8-10 cm.

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Anna Evans

Author โœ“ Farmer

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