Houseplant asparagus could have been found in every second house, but now it has grown much less. This plant is of different types - soft and tender or, conversely, prickly.
In nature, there are about 300 species of asparagus, while not similar to each other. Asparagus grows around the world, it can be found everywhere except Antarctica. This plant is adapted to different climatic zones and grows in savannas, tropics and subtropics. Some of the species are even edible, for example, asparagus. Other types of asparagus are used for decorative purposes - they decorate the premises, and also use to compose elegant floral compositions and bouquets.
Most often in the indoor environment, Sprenger asparagus, Meyer asparagus, asparagus crescent, asparagus officinalis and asparagus pinnate are grown. They usually grow not only ampel, but also climbing and potted house plants. Ampel and climbing plants need a good support for 2-3 years of life.
Asparaguses prefer spacious and free areas, the branches of this plant are sprawling and do not tolerate the neighborhood of other colors and frequent touches. This is a very beautiful plant, amazingly looks in any interior, and often very unpretentious.
Care for asparagus
Lighting. Asparagus is a plant that can grow in the penumbra, but still it is desirable to have an illuminated sunny place. Aspragus asparagus Sprengger easily tolerates direct sunlight, but the other species must be protected from them so that the plant does not get burned and does not throw off needles.
Temperature . Asparagusam needs a moderate temperature, in the summer it is about 20-24 degrees, and in winter the temperature should be lowered to 15-18 degrees. If this is not possible, then in winter, pay special attention to watering and spraying the plant.
Asparagus will be favorable for fresh air in the summer, if possible, it is better to take it out to the garden or to the balcony.
Watering. Watering should also be moderate. In summer, asparagus should be watered abundantly, but make sure that moisture does not stagnate. The land between the irrigations should be dried, but should not dry up. If the winter asparagus created cool conditions, then watering should be reduced, but the land should not be dried again.
Humidity of air . Asparagus at any time of the year is very fond of spraying, especially in autumn and winter, when the heating starts. Sometimes plants can even arrange a "shower".
Therefore, regular watering and spraying are necessary conditions for growing asparagus. If they are not observed, the plant turns yellow and dries.
Reproduction. Propagation asparagus can be both seeds and dividing the bush, which is much easier. Some of the asparagus species reproduce by cuttings, it is better to spend it between the beginning of March and June. Cuttings must be cut and placed in water, and after about a month, roots should appear.
Propagation by seeds is also quite simple. They are sown in the middle of winter (January - February). In principle, asparagus can be planted at any time of the year, but in order to grow strong, during a short day the plant needs additional lighting.
Again, it is necessary to monitor the moisture of the soil, do not allow drying. To avoid this, you can cover the container with the seeded seeds with a glass or a packet. Usually shoots germinate quickly, but sometimes they have to wait and two months.
Bloom. This houseplant blooms not often, but in the room conditions it is rare. Its flowers are small, white and rather plain.
Transfer. Young plants must be transplanted every year. And it's enough for adults to have a transplant every two years. The roots of asparagus love space, because they grow rapidly, so the pots for this plant need to be selected free. Transplant asparagus better in the spring.
Pruning. To rejuvenate the plant, it is recommended sometimes to trim the tubers that do not form greens (except asparagus pinnate). Also, to speed up the growth of young shoots, it is necessary to trim old ones.
Fertilizer. To fertilize asparagus, you can use both mineral and organic fertilizers. Feed the plant in the period from spring to autumn every 1.5 to 2 weeks.
Diseases and pests. The most common pest for asparagus is the scab, thrips or spider mite.
The most necessary conditions to observe are regular watering, air humidity and correct lighting. Otherwise, the plant asparagus turns yellow, dries, and the leaves fall off.