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How to Grow Foxtail Fern

Foxtail Fern

Asparagus densiflorus

shrub

Foxtail fern is a feathery, evergreen perennial shrub native to South Africa, known for its soft, plume-like foliage that resembles a fox's tail. Despite its common name, it is not a true fern but a member of the asparagus family. It grows as a graceful, bushy houseplant or garden specimen with a fountain-like habit and produces small white flowers followed by bright red berries.

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Example Foxtail Fern timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Foxtail Fern

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Foxtail Fern

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Foxtail Fern dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade; protect from direct afternoon sun which can scorch foliage
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season; reduce watering in winter; drought-tolerant once established but prefers regular moisture
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Spacing: 18-24 inches between plants inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable; ornamental perennial that develops gradually over 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Plant crowns at soil surface level; do not bury

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark Perlite for drainage Coconut coir

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as houseplant elsewhere

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

2-3 months

Young plant with sparse, thin plume-like shoots emerging from the crown; minimal foliage visible

Keep soil consistently moist; avoid overwatering; protect from cold drafts and direct sun; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer

2

Vegetative Growth

4-8 months

Plant develops fuller, feathery foliage; distinctive fox-tail-like plumes become more prominent; dense, mounding habit forms

Water regularly; feed bi-weekly with dilute fertilizer; pinch back any leggy growth to encourage bushiness; maintain humidity in dry climates

3

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Small, delicate white or pale yellow flowers appear among the foliage, typically in spring to early summer

Continue regular watering and feeding; flowers are inconspicuous but precede berry development; no special care needed

4

Fruiting & Maturity

Ongoing from late summer through winter

Small, bright red berries develop and persist on the plant, adding ornamental interest; plant reaches full size and density

Berries are toxic; remove if concerned about pets or children; continue regular watering; prune dead or damaged cladodes as needed

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Calathea Pothos Philodendron Peperomia Spider plant Dracaena

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring dry conditions Succulents sensitive to moisture Cacti

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly; spray with water or neem oil if infestation occurs

  • Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil

  • Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray

  • Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations

Uses

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Indoor & Container Gardening

Household

Foxtail fern is an excellent houseplant for bright, indirect light situations, adding soft texture and visual interest to interior spaces. Its evergreen foliage and trailing habit make it ideal for shelves, hanging baskets, or as a specimen in pots. [source]

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Fresh & Dried Flower Arrangements

Craft

The feathery, plume-like stems are prized by florists and craft enthusiasts for use in fresh and dried arrangements, adding delicate texture and movement to designs. [source]

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Ornamental Interest & Bird Appeal

Wildlife

Bright red berries attract birds and provide winter color in gardens; the dense foliage offers shelter for small wildlife in frost-free regions. [source]

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Shade & Texture for Garden Beds

Household

In warmer zones, foxtail fern adds soft, feathery texture and year-round interest to partial shade garden beds, understory plantings, and mixed borders. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable; ornamental foliage plant. Cut stems for fresh arrangements as desired. Prune in spring to remove dead cladodes and shape the plant. Berries can be left for winter interest or removed if concerned about toxicity.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Despite its common name 'fern,' Asparagus densiflorus is not a true fern but a monocot in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), more closely related to lilies and agapanthus than to ferns.
  • 🌱 The feathery structures that look like leaves are actually modified stems called cladodes; the true leaves are reduced to small scales at the base of these stem segments.
  • 🌱 Foxtail fern produces bright red berries that are toxic to humans and pets if ingested; however, birds readily consume and disperse the seeds in wild and garden settings.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Partial Shade Perennial Pinch Back
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