Asparagus setaceus aka Asparagus Fern

Asparagus setaceus is known as asparagus fern or lace fern. It belongs to the asparagus family, not the fern group. Its native range runs from central Ethiopia to South Africa. It also grows wild in the Comoros. It lives in forests and thickets. Gardeners grow this evergreen climber for its fine green sprays. Large, tuberous roots support its fast growth.

Houseplants often reach 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] in height. With support, garden plants reach 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Their spread can reach 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Wild plants may climb 10–20 feet [3–6 metres]. The thin stems twine and grow woody with age. Sharp spines line them, so gloves help when handling plants. Side branches grow shorter toward each spray's pointed tip. The soft, needle-like green parts are modified branches called cladodes. The true leaves are small, dry scales.

Small white flowers appear in summer but seldom bloom indoors. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms from July through October. The flowers lack the show of the green sprays. Round berries start green, then turn purple and black. Birds eat the fruit and spread its seeds. The plant also spreads through long, thin rhizomes. It has escaped gardens in many warm regions. It is invasive in Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, and Hawaii. Florida lists it as a plant that needs careful control.

Give this plant bright, filtered light rather than direct sun. It needs moist soil that drains well and holds organic matter. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soils. A peat-free, loam-based potting mix suits plants under glass. Water well from spring through mid-autumn, then reduce winter watering. High humidity helps prevent brown tips on the sprays. Give climbing stems support and keep plants free from frost. Sources place it in USDA zones 9–12 and UK rating H2. Grow it in pots, hanging baskets, or as a houseplant. In warm gardens, it can cover fences and walls. Florists use its green stems in flower displays.

Slugs, snails, asparagus beetles, mites, aphids, and mealybugs may attack it. Excess water can cause root rot and yellow growth. Wet foliage and poor airflow can lead to leaf spot. Too little light or water can also cause yellowing. Sources report young shoots as edible but give little detail. This does not make the berries safe to eat. They can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in people and pets. The sap may also irritate skin. Keep the plant away from children and pets.