Long, Spindly Asparagus Fern

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Gr8LndMick Willow, AK(Zone 3a) Jul 03, 2016

Can someone please give me some help with my asparagus fern? Its stems all seem to grow very long and spindly. Each new stem will grow from a foot to two before it ever starts develping leaves. I have tried pinching off the ends to stop growth, but all I end up with is long leafless stems. The stems that I do let grow will end up probably six feet long. I just repotted it and have a bunch of new growth starting. I would like for these to grow fuller if possible. The plant sits in a southeast facing window in Willow, Alaska.

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kittriana Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a) Jul 05, 2016

Check to see if it is rootbound- they are prone to having roots that can crack concrete if they can't get space. I also trim mine- hasn't appeared to slow them down- by simply grabbing a spot several inches down and chopping them off like trimming a mint plant, and they grow. These also are in low light- they flourish outdoors in Calif enough to be listed as invasives- which means they are reaching for a lot more full strength sunshine.

This message was edited Jul 5, 2016 7:08 AM

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Teriratiu San Jose, CA Jul 05, 2016

I agree with kittriana. You should cut it way back and give it more light. Mine are outside in a lightly shaded area and they do great out there. Im in Calif. we cut ours back every year and it just keeps getting fuller. Good luck!

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Gr8LndMick Willow, AK(Zone 3a) Jul 05, 2016

Thank you both for your suggestions. It was rootbound; that is why I repotted it. However, I am not sure I can give it any more light. It is sitting right at the window now. If all these new sprouts also grow long and spindly, I am not sure trimming it back will help. They will just keep growing back the same. Does it need more direct light? Right now it is getting over 18 hours of daylight, just not continuously direct.

Thanks for your help.

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kittriana Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a) Jul 07, 2016

Asparagus fern. We have 80-90* days high humidity, 60% + everyday. This winter didn't freeze. I chopped these back to 1' in April, we use a pot in a pot on these, and it sits on the front porch.

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Gr8LndMick Willow, AK(Zone 3a) Jul 09, 2016

Kittriana, thanks for the pictures and advice. If it is a matter of not enough sunlight, I guess it will just have to be the way it is. I don't see how I can give the plant any more light than what it is getting now. I wonder if a grow light would help.

Thanks.

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Pistil Lake Stevens, WA(Zone 8a) Jul 10, 2016

I think you should try a grow light. Especially in Anchorage it just can't be getting enough light there in winter.

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kittriana Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a) Jul 10, 2016

Agreed to a grow light. I think its doing very well for being in Alaska, chuckl

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