Asparagus asparagoides aka Bridal Creeper
Taxonomy
Asparagus asparagoides, also known as bridal creeper, bridal-veil creeper, gnarboola, smilax, or smilax asparagus, is a herbaceous climbing plant from the Asparagaceae family. Native to eastern and southern Africa, it can grow up to 3m in length and spreads through both seeds and tubers. Its glossy green, sometimes heart-shaped leaves adorn the vine, while white flowers bloom in spring. Although initially cultivated as an ornamental plant, it has become a problematic environmental weed in Australia and New Zealand. This invasive species poses significant threats to the local ecosystem. With its rhizomatous nature and the presence of tubers reaching sizes of up to 6 cm by 2 cm, it rapidly takes over its surroundings. Bridal creeper is often found infiltrating Australia, where it is classified as an invasive species.
Common names
Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Gnarboola, Florists' Smilax, Smilax AsparagusHow to care for Bridal Creeper
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Bridal Creeper is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Bridal Creeper should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Bridal Creeper loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Bridal Creeper prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Bridal Creeper. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Bridal Creeper should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Bridal Creeper’s native range is Europe and Western Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Asparagus Genus
Asparagus aethiopicus Sprenger's Asparagus Fern
Asparagus scandens Asparagus Fern
Asparagus albus White Asparagus
Asparagus densiflorus Asparagus Fern
Asparagus schoberioides Schoberia Like Asparagus
Asparagus dauricus
Asparagus horridus Wild Asparagus
Asparagus declinatus Bridal Creeper
Asparagus verticillatus Climbing Asparagus
