Asparagus falcatus in a pot
Asparagus falcatus leaves
Asparagus falcatus flowers
Poisonous berries of Asparagus falcatus
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Asparagus falcatus, sickle asparagus
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Native to the forests of South Africa and Mozambique, Asparagus falcatus belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is distinguished by its imposing size and delicately fragrant blossoms.
How to recognize Asparagus falcatus?
Some varieties of Asparagus can be kept in a terrarium. Not so with Asparagus falcatus. This bushy shrub reaches two to three meters in all directions when grown in pots. In its natural habitat, it reaches heights of over ten meters.
The stems lignify over time. With their cylindrical branches, they resemble those of bamboo. Grayish in color, they conceal sharp thorns.
The foliage consists of shiny cladodes, much larger than those of asparagus sprengeri and asparagus setaceus. They are five centimetres long and five millimetres wide. Dark green, they are curved and have a narrow base, like a scythe or sickle.
This variety has hermaphroditic flowers. White or cream, they give off a jasmine fragrance and attract pollinating insects.
As for the fruits, they attract birds. They eat the red berries and spread the black seeds.
For humans, the plant is purely decorative. Its fruits are toxic to us and our pets. Beware of thorns when repotting or pruning your Asparagus falcatus.
Our maintenance tips
Your Asparagus falcatus needs light. But its delicate foliage cannot withstand the strongest sunlight. Indoors, place the plant behind a window screened by a curtain. Outdoors, prefer half-shade.
Watering
Asparagus falcatus require regular watering. But it must be moderate, otherwise the roots will rot. The substrate must remain moist but never soggy.
Water your plant with soft, non-calcareous water at room temperature. Once you've finished, drain off any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter.
Water your plant with soft, non-calcareous water at room temperature. Once you've finished, drain off any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter.
Spray
The air in our apartments is too dry for plants used to high humidity. Mist your Asparagus falcatus with water at room temperature.
Rainwater is preferable to tap water. Tap water causes white spots on the foliage.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Asparagus falcatus to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Choose a pot with holes larger than the root ball. Use a plastic pot rather than a terracotta one. This material retains more moisture. Moreover, the plant develops vigorous roots. It is not uncommon for them to break clay containers. Plastic is more resistant.
Pour a layer of potting soil for green plants at the bottom of the pot. Plant your subject in the center and fill in with substrate.
Press down and water generously to remove air bubbles.
Your Asparagus falcatus doesn't like too dry an atmosphere. Place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls to improve humidity.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply green plant fertilizer once a month. Asparagus falcatus is not a very greedy variety. Halve the dose recommended by the manufacturer.
Prune
Cut back older stems to one or two centimetres from the ground to encourage new branches.
Prune branches to balance shape and maintain a compact habit.
Plantation
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose a well-exposed location, away from direct sunlight.
Dig a hole about 25 centimetres deep. Place a layer of compost at the bottom to enrich the soil. Work the soil to loosen it. If necessary, add sand.
Plant your Asparagus falcatus without burying the crown. Fill in and water to encourage rooting.
If you're building a bed, keep a 50-centimeter spacing between the various specimens.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
When repotting, divide the plant in two or three. Remove the soil from the roots to better locate the rhizomes. Using a clean knife or serpette, cut the roots. Be careful not to cut the tubers.
Obtain a perforated pot. Fill the bottom with potting soil for green plants.
Plant your cutting and fill with substrate. Tamp and water to remove air bubbles.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Asparagaceae - Asparagaceae |
| Type | Asparagus - Asparagus |
| Species | Asparagus falcatus - Asparagus falcatus |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposures | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting methods |
Open ground In pots In tubs Planter |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Beginner Toxic |
| Origin |
South Africa |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 11a |
| Leaf color |
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| Flower colors |
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| Fruit color |
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