What is the reason why asparagus fern leaves turn yellow and what should I do?

Asparagus fern , a highly ornamental small plant, is famous for its potted foliage. Its light body, chic posture and elegant temperament are deeply loved by people. However, asparagus fern is prone to yellowing leaves during maintenance. Let’s learn below what causes yellowing of asparagus fern leaves and what to do about it?

Reason 1: Inadequate light exposure

As a semi-shade plant, asparagus fern is sensitive to strong light, especially the strong sunlight in summer, which can easily cause yellowing of leaves and a reduction in chlorophyll.

Solution: Move the asparagus fern to a cool place and add water in time. Although it is prone to yellowing in winter, you must ensure that it receives sunlight when there is sufficient sunlight and keep the temperature above 5 degrees Celsius.

Reason 2: Improper watering

The yellowing leaves of asparagus fern may be caused by water accumulation due to overwatering, or insufficient water due to underwatering.

Solution: Follow the principle of "water thoroughly when dry", and wait until the soil is dry before watering again until the soil is moist. In dry weather, you can spray water on the leaves of asparagus fern in the morning and evening.

Reason 3: Improper fertilization

Improper fertilization may also cause yellow leaves of asparagus fern, and excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer may cause the plant to grow too tall.

Solution: Apply fertilizer reasonably, avoid overdosage, and be careful to use the right amount of nitrogen fertilizer.

Reason 4: Smoke pollution

Asparagus fern is sensitive to smoke and dust. If placed in an environment with harmful gases, its leaves will easily turn yellow.

Solution: Keep away from smoke and dust, and sprinkle water regularly to remove dust.

Reason 5: Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases are also one of the reasons that cause yellow leaves of asparagus fern.

Solution: Remove pests manually or use drugs to assist, especially for pests such as scale insects.

Key points for caring for asparagus fern

Light: Asparagus fern prefers semi-shaded environment and should be placed in a room with diffused light, avoiding direct sunlight, especially in summer.

Humidity/watering: Asparagus fern likes moisture, but avoid too much water which may cause root rot. When the weather is hot, you need to spray water around the plant to increase humidity, while keeping the soil in the pot moderately moist.

Temperature: Asparagus fern likes warmth, and the suitable temperature for growth is 15℃-25℃. Growth will stagnate when the temperature is higher than 32℃ in summer, and the temperature in winter should not be lower than 10℃.

Soil: Asparagus fern likes loose, fertile and well-drained soil. You can choose humus soil or peat soil, and add appropriate amount of organic fertilizer .

Fertilization: Although asparagus fern does not like fertilizer, applying appropriate amounts of fertilizer will help its growth. During the spring and summer growing season, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly used. Apply decomposed thin liquid fertilizer once a month. Control fertilization after the plant has taken shape to avoid excessive growth.

In short, if the leaves of your asparagus fern turn yellow, you can check whether these points are not done well and whether the maintenance work is in place, so as to effectively prevent and solve the problem of yellowing leaves of asparagus fern.