Plumosa Fern
Asparagus setaceus · Native to South Africa
Soft, feathery, and lace-like, the Plumosa Fern brings airy elegance and fine texture to any space. Despite the name it’s not a true fern — but it loves humidity and grows fast, making it a lush pick for tabletops and baskets.
Available in 4½ inchCare
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light but will also tolerate partial shade. Avoid hot, direct sun.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Mist regularly or use a humidifier — this plant loves humidity.
Soil & Feeding
Use a rich, well-draining soil, and fertilize every 4 weeks in spring and summer.
Details
Known for its soft, feathery foliage, it adds elegance and texture to any space.
- ✅ Delicate, airy texture — great for tabletops and baskets
- ✅ Fast growing — quickly fills containers with greenery
- ✅ Excellent for humid spaces — thrives in kitchens and baths
Size
Available in a 4½ inch pot.
Good to Know
⚠️ Despite its common names, this is not a true fern. It is toxic if ingested and its berries are poisonous — keep away from pets and children. Not meant for human or animal consumption.
Plant Bio
Asparagus setaceus · also called Asparagus Fern, Lace Fern, or Ming Fern
Although everyone calls it a fern, the Plumosa Fern is actually a member of the asparagus family, native to southern Africa. It doesn’t reproduce by spores like true ferns; instead it produces tiny flowers and berries. What looks like delicate, feathery foliage is a cloud of fine, needle-like branchlets arranged in flat, frond-like sprays.
Young plants form soft, lacy mounds that look wonderful on a tabletop or spilling from a basket; with age and support, stems can climb and scramble. The texture is its whole appeal — few houseplants read as soft and airy.
It likes bright, indirect light (or part shade), consistently moist soil, and higher humidity, so it’s happiest in kitchens and bathrooms or with regular misting. It grows fast and fills a pot quickly.
One important note: unlike a true fern, it is toxic if eaten and its berries are poisonous, so it’s best kept away from curious pets and children.
Is the Plumosa Fern really a fern?
- No — it’s in the asparagus family and reproduces by seed, not spores.
- Its “leaves” are actually fine, flattened branchlets that mimic fronds.
- It loves humidity and grows faster than most true ferns.
- Unlike many ferns, it is toxic if ingested — keep it out of reach.
Note: Toxic if ingested and the berries are poisonous. Keep away from pets and children. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for human or animal consumption.