How to Grow Emerald Lace
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Emerald Lace
Asparagus setaceus
shrubEmerald Lace is a delicate, fine-textured ornamental foliage plant prized for its feathery, fern-like appearance and trailing or climbing growth habit. Despite its common name, it is actually a species of asparagus with needle-like leaflets arranged in soft, lacy sprays. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or in containers and is popular as a cut foliage accent in floral arrangements.
When should you plant Emerald Lace in your zone?
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Example Emerald Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Emerald Lace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Emerald Lace
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Emerald Lace dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; grown indoors or as a houseplant in cooler climates
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Get my Emerald Lace timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-4 weeksTiny, delicate shoots emerge with minimal foliage; very fragile appearance
Keep soil consistently warm (70-75°F) and moist; provide bright indirect light; use a humidity dome if growing from seed; avoid disturbance
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksYoung plant develops thin stems with sparse needle-like leaves; begins to show characteristic feathery texture
Maintain bright indirect light and consistent moisture; begin light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer; ensure good air circulation
Establishment
6-12 weeksPlant grows rapidly with increasing branching; lacy foliage becomes fuller and more defined; may begin climbing or trailing if support is provided
Provide stakes, trellis, or hanging basket support as needed; continue regular watering and feeding; pinch tips occasionally to encourage bushier growth; repot into larger containers if needed
Mature Growth
Ongoing, 6+ monthsPlant reaches desired size with dense, cascading or climbing fine foliage; produces tiny white flowers in clusters (may produce red berries in ideal conditions)
Maintain regular watering and humidity; fertilize monthly during growing season; prune to control shape and encourage fullness; protect from direct hot sun
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Mist foliage regularly; increase humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation occurs
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply neem oil spray; isolate infested plant from others
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Manual removal with brush or cloth; spray with horticultural oil; treat with insecticidal soap
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Ensure well-draining soil; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh soil if roots are affected; improve air circulation
Uses
Floral Arrangements & Filler Foliage
CraftEmerald Lace is highly valued in the floral industry as a delicate, long-lasting greenery filler that adds texture and elegance to cut flower arrangements, wreaths, and bouquets. The fine, feathery foliage complements both modern and traditional designs. [source]
Indoor Houseplant & Interior Decoration
HouseholdGrown in hanging baskets, containers, or as a climbing plant on trellises, Emerald Lace brightens indoor spaces with its soft, delicate appearance and graceful cascading or climbing habit. It is effective in offices, living rooms, and conservatories. [source]
Ornamental Berries for Visual Interest
WildlifeMature plants may produce small white flowers followed by bright red berries that add seasonal color and attract birds and pollinators in outdoor or tropical settings. [source]
Edible Young Shoots (Asparagus fern shoots)
CulinaryThe delicate young shoots of some Asparagus setaceus plants are edible and can be harvested and prepared similarly to traditional asparagus, offering a tender, slightly nutty flavor as a rare culinary specialty. [source]
Harvest Tips
Emerald Lace is not harvested for consumption. Foliage sprays can be cut for use in floral arrangements when the plant is mature and well-established; cut sprays will last 1-2 weeks in water. Prune stems back by up to one-third in spring to maintain shape and promote denser growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its name 'Emerald Lace' and fern-like appearance, Asparagus setaceus is not a true fern but rather a monocot in the Asparagaceae family, making it a relative of culinary asparagus.
- 🌱 The feathery 'leaves' are actually modified stems called cladodes; the true leaves are reduced to tiny scales, which is an adaptation that reduces water loss.
- 🌱 Emerald Lace has been a popular indoor plant since the Victorian era, when it was prized in parlors and conservatories as a symbol of delicate, refined taste.
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