FlowerAsparagus fern
Plumosa Asparagus Fern
Plumosa
Plumosa Asparagus Fern is one of the most beloved indoor foliage plants, prized for its impossibly soft, feathery fronds that seem to float on air. Despite its common name, it's not actually a fern but a tender perennial in the Asparagaceae family that thrives in partial shade and reaches a compact 18 to 24 inches tall, perfect for desktops, shelves, and bright windowsills. From seed to mature, fluffy plant takes just 49 to 63 days, making it one of the fastest indoor favorites to establish. Hardy in zones 6 through 11, it's equally at home in a child's first garden or as a lush accent in seasoned plant collections.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/asparagus-fern-a-plumosa-nanus-flower-seed)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
6-11
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam; Light, Airy Soil Preferred
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
PeriodPerennial
TypeBush
Spacing
36-48 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Zones
6-11
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Plumosa Asparagus Fern apart is its ethereal, lacey texture, soft enough to seem almost cloud-like, yet surprisingly resilient and forgiving of beginner mistakes. The delicate, thread-thin foliage emerges quickly from seed and fills in densely, creating that signature feathery appearance that has made it internationally beloved in offices and homes for generations. Its upright, compact growth habit means it demands minimal space while delivering maximum visual impact, and it's genuinely one of the easiest houseplant projects for gardeners of any skill level.
Common Uses
This is strictly an ornamental plant, grown entirely for its stunning foliage rather than any culinary or edible purpose. The soft, lacy fronds are perfect for bringing living texture and airiness to indoor spaces, it softens hard corners, adds movement to shelves and desktops, and works beautifully as a cascading element when positioned on a high perch where its delicate growth can spill slightly downward.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Does Not Bloom Often (Rare Small White Flowers)
First Harvest
N/a
Last Harvest
N/a
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Keep the soil warm (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and consistently moist until germination occurs. Plumosa seeds germinate reliably within 1 to 3 weeks under these conditions, so patience combined with warmth and moisture is key.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit—this is truly a warm-season plant. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Space plants 24 inches apart in partial shade.
Pruning
Prune any yellowed, dead, or damaged fronds at their base to maintain a neat appearance and encourage fresh growth. Light pinching of stem tips during the growing season encourages bushier, fuller development. Avoid heavy pruning, as this plant prefers a more naturalistic, feathery silhouette, simply remove what's unhealthy and let its upright growth habit shine.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Asparagus setaceus (Kunth) Jessop
Family
Liliaceae
Genus
Asparagus
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Native Status
L48 (I)HI (I)PR (I)