Illustration of asparagus fern pruning method

Asparagus fern is known as the "elegant bamboo". It has a graceful posture, fine and soft green branches and leaves, and high ornamental value. However, asparagus fern grows fast, so it needs to be pruned well. Let’s take a look at the illustrated method of pruning asparagus fern.

1. Cut off the long branches

In the process of growing asparagus fern, one or two particularly long branches will often grow straight upwards, without leaves, but just stretching upwards so stubbornly. Such branches are leggy branches and can be completely cut off.

2. Prune old stems

Asparagus fern that has been cared for for many years will have many old climbing stems, so if they are pruned too long, the branches and leaves of the old stems should be trimmed off. When pruning, cut between adjacent old stems, paying attention to the layers and heights.

3. Pinch off new branches

When the new shoots of the plant grow to 2-3cm, we should promptly remove the growth point at the top of the new branch. This will promote the differentiation of branches and leaves again, and the pinnate leaves will grow flat, allowing the asparagus fern to grow in layers and the plant shape to be fuller.

4. Cut off weak branches

The thin branches of asparagus fern should also be cut off to keep the strong branches. Asparagus fern grows fast, and its thick branches can better absorb nutrients, making the plant more vigorous.

5. Cut off the dense branches

In order to ensure ventilation and light transmission of the plants, we need to cut off the branches that grow too densely, which can also reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

6. Pruning overly thick branches

Overly thick branches will consume too many nutrients during the growth process. They will steal nutrients from other branches, disrupt the balance of nutrient supply, and cause other branches to turn yellow and wither. They can also easily cause the shape to be too uneven, affecting the viewing experience. When you see particularly thick branches growing at the bottom of the asparagus fern, you should cut off part of the top when the thick branches grow to 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant height to prevent them from robbing nutrients from other branches.

7. Prune yellow leaf branches

Asparagus fern is a plant that is more prone to yellow leaves. For example, lack of water, sunburn, excessive fertilizer , etc. can cause yellow leaves. After yellow leaves appear, not only should the yellow leaves be pruned off, but also the branches associated with the yellow leaves should be pruned off. This is the only way to maintain the overall beauty of asparagus fern.

That’s it