Asparagus fern
Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri (Liliaceae)
Also called Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
Signs to watch for: Allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea).
Source: ASPCA entry "Asparagus Fern", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Best
- Bright indirect 10+ mol
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Very adaptable indoors: Clemson lists it as a medium-light plant and NC State says it copes with a wide range of light, even full shade (foliage turns paler). Sources disagree on sun: Wisconsin says it grows in direct or bright indirect light (faster in brighter light), while NC State calls it intolerant of direct sun and notes hot afternoon sun can yellow the foliage.
Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.
On our scale it grows well from about 6 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Water regularly in spring through autumn and keep it drier in winter; avoid waterlogged soil, though its tuberous roots let it tolerate some neglect.
Foliage yellows and drops if the soil gets too dry or the plant gets too little light (Wisconsin).
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Calathea medium light
- Guzmania bromeliad medium light
- Kentia palm medium light
- Prayer plant medium light
- Ripple peperomia medium light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Asparagus Fern"
- Light and care: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Asparagus densiflorus Sprengeri Group"
- Light and care: University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension (Wisconsin Horticulture), "Asparagus fern, Asparagus densiflorus"
- Light and care: Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Indoor Plants – Cleaning, Fertilizing, Containers & Light Requirements (HGIC 1450)"