Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a perennial evergreen herb with luscious, fluffy stems of pine needle-like leaves. Despite its name, the foxtail fern is technically not as fern; it uses seeds to reproduce, not spores. A member of the asparagus family, the foxtail fern produces small white flowers with red berries. It can be grown outdoors or as a houseplant.
Do note that all parts of foxtail fern may be toxic to both humans and pets, including the flowers and the berries.
The foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’) is a popular landscaping plant in warm climates like Florida, California, and Arizona With its graceful, cascading foliage, it adds unique texture and movement to gardens and containers
Though foxtail fern thrives in warm weather it can be grown successfully in colder climates as a houseplant or moved indoors for winter protection. With proper care your foxtail fern can survive cold winters and return to its full glory in spring.
Overwintering Foxtail Fern Indoors
Foxtail fern is hardy only in USDA zones 9 to 11. In colder climates, it will need to be brought indoors before the first frost. Select the healthiest, most vigorous plants to overwinter.
When to bring foxtail fern indoors:
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In northern zones, bring plants indoors before night temperatures dip below 50°F.
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In warmer zones like 8B or 9A, you can wait until night temps reach 40°F.
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Once indoors, allow 7-10 days for plants to adjust before lowering temperatures.
Transition tips:
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Cut back all dead or damaged fronds to keep your plant tidy and discourage pests.
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Check closely for signs of insects like scales or mealybugs and treat if found.
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Gradually reduce watering over 7-10 days to ease the transition.
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Place in a bright location out of direct sun. East or west exposure is ideal.
Caring for Foxtail Fern in Winter
Adjust your care routine to support your foxtail fern through a healthy dormancy period. Focus on providing the right light, humidity, temperature, and limited water.
Lighting
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Foxtail fern thrives on bright, indirect light. Keep it near an east, west, or lightly shaded south window.
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Rotate the plant weekly so all sides receive equal light.
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Supplement with a grow light if natural light is inadequate. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily.
Humidity
Foxtail fern prefers 40-50% humidity. Low humidity can cause leaf browning. Boost humidity with these tips:
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Use a humidifier or pebble tray.
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Mist leaves daily with room temperature water.
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Group plants to create a self-contained humid microclimate.
Temperature
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Ideal indoor winter temperature is 60-70°F during the day and 50-60°F at night.
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Keep away from drafts, heat vents, and cold windows.
Watering
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Reduce watering significantly while dormant. Allow the top 50% of soil to dry out before watering.
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When you do water, be sure to moisten the entire root zone thoroughly.
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Pour out any water in cache pots or saucers after 30 minutes so the plant doesn’t sit in water.
Foxtail Fern Care in Early Spring
In early spring when new growth begins, it’s time to transition your foxtail fern back outdoors. Here’s how:
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Begin regular watering about 4 weeks before the last expected frost.
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Move to a sunny, protected location like a covered porch for 7-10 days.
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Gradually expose to longer periods of direct sun over 2-3 weeks.
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Transplant into garden or larger container after the last frost. Water thoroughly.
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Apply balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth.
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Resume normal outdoor care, watering when the top few inches of soil become dry.
With attentive care through the seasons, your foxtail fern will thrive for years of beauty and enjoyment! Let those graceful, cascading fronds flourish.
Common Foxtail Fern Winter Problems and Solutions
Bringing plants indoors for winter protection can be tricky. Monitor your foxtail fern closely and be prepared to troubleshoot issues like:
Leaf drop – Some leaf drop is normal when transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments. But excessive leaf drop can signal a problem. Potential causes:
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Insufficient humidity – Boost to 40-50% with a humidifier.
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Overwatering – Allow more time between waterings.
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Drafts – Move plant away from drafty windows or doors.
Leaf yellowing – Lower leaves turning yellow is often caused by overwatering. Check that soil is drying adequately between waterings.
Leaf browning – Brown leaf tips or margins often indicate insufficient humidity. Increase humidity levels to 40-50%.
Failure to thrive – Weak new growth can be caused by inadequate light or temperatures that are too cold. Move to a brighter location or use grow lights to supplement. Raise night temps to 50-60°F.
Insects – Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites can move in on stressed plants. Isolate and treat any infestations promptly. Be vigilant for hitchhikers when bringing plants indoors.
Tips for Successfully Overwintering Foxtail Ferns
Here are a few more pointers to help your foxtail ferns thrive indoors through the winter:
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Select healthy, vigorous plants to overwinter. Discard any plants that struggled over summer.
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Check for and treat any insect problems before bringing plants indoors.
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Move plants to a protected transition area for 1-2 weeks before final move indoors.
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Water minimally during transition period to avoid transplant shock.
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Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
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Use room temperature water rather than cold water for watering.
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Wash foliage periodically to remove dust and increase light exposure.
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Avoid repotting, dividing, or propagating plants during dormancy. Wait until spring.
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Turn or rotate plants weekly to encourage even, upright growth on all sides.
With the right care, your foxtail ferns can survive winters anywhere. Just provide bright light, moderate humidity, cool temps, and reduced watering. Then watch the graceful fronds unfurl with renewed vigor in spring!
Light
When grown outdoors, the foxtail fern loves soft light, and to be planted in areas with filtered shade. A little morning sun is fine, just be sure your plant receives protection in the bright, hot afternoon. Indoors, place foxtail fern in bright, indirect light. Too much strong light will burn the leaves.
Soil
Foxtail fern can handle various soil types, so long as it drains well and doesnt get waterlogged. This will help you avoid root rot. It favors slightly acidic soil, but this is not a hard-and-fast requirement.
How to Care For Your Invasive Asparagus Fern, Fox Tail Fern
FAQ
Can a foxtail fern stay outside in winter?
If you’d prefer to grow your foxtail fern outdoors, you can do so year-round in Zones 9a to 11b. Do note that if you live outside of these USDA zones, in colder climates, you’ll have to take your foxtail fern indoors during the winter.
What’s the lowest temperature a foxtail fern can tolerate?
During the winter months, the Foxtail fern prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 ℉ (10 ℃).
Will foxtail fern come back after freeze?
Luckily, the foxtail fern is a resilient plant, though it may take some time to see results. Once you prune the plant after frost damage, its natural energy will be channeled to its living, vibrant parts, allowing it to recover.
Do foxtail ferns turn brown in winter?
Hi, Angela: Foxtail ferns (Asparagus densiflorus ‘meyersii’) are a tropical for those of us gardening in Kentucky. So, just as you have done, they have to come indoors to survive our winters. It is not uncommon for their foliage to turn brown or even drop during these months as they would be much happier outdoors.