Asparagus sprengeri - Sprenger's asparagus

The Asparagus sprengeri is one of those classic houseplants that always remain highly popular. Its ease of cultivation and aesthetic appeal play a big part in this. This Sprenger's Asparagus quickly forms a dense, trailing clump with its graceful, bright green foliage reminiscent of certain ferns. Thriving in bright indoor locations without direct sunlight, this perennial and evergreen plant can also be used outdoors as an annual, in a slightly shaded flowerbed or as part of a container arrangement. Low-maintenance, it mainly requires regular watering during growth periods along with a liquid fertiliser every two weeks.

Asparagus, formerly classified under Liliaceae, is now a member of the Asparagaceae family, from whence its name, and includes many ornamental genera such as the Agave, Dracaena, or the charming Muscari. There are numerous other species alongside the asparagus we consume (Asparagus officinalis), some of which are ornamental and typically originate from Africa. This is the case with the Asparagus sprengeri, a wild species that grows naturally in the savannas and thickets of East Africa (notably Ethiopia) and South Africa. Widespread worldwide as an ornamental garden plant in mild climates, it has proven to be invasive in various countries or states (Australia, Florida, etc.). Growing from tuberous roots, this perennial forms low, thorny clumps up to 1 m tall.
In our homes, after the first two or three months of adaptation, this Asparagus exhibits rapid growth, reaching about 70 to 80 cm in all directions, even more in older plants that have never been pruned. The stump produces thin, flexible, trailing stems, giving it a very dense, bushy habit. They are covered with small thorns, so it's best to resist the temptation to run your hand through the foliage even though its airy appearance may be very tempting! Extremely fin, elongated, and a lovely bright green, the leaves are actually cladodes—modified shoots (like the prickly pears of Opuntias). Pointing in all directions, these cladodes give the foliage a very airy appearance, which is the plant's main aesthetic appeal. Indeed, its white flowering in summer is far too subtle to be ornamental.

Warning - the flowering is followed by a few slightly more decorative red berries, but unfortunately toxic if ingested. 

Easy to grow indoors and undemanding in terms of temperature (it can tolerate occasional brief temperatures near 0°C outdoors), it simply requires frequent watering during the growth period, from April to October. It can also be grown as an annual outdoors or in a planter or container (the pot can equally be placed outside during the warmer months). Its delicate, pretty foliage pairs perfectly with more substantial and colourful leaves such as those of the ever-popular Coleus. You can create a stunning contrast in both form and colour by adding a Calla 'Auckland' to your arrangement—a superb florist's Arum with large dark green leaves speckled with white pits and stunning salmon-pink flowers of striking graphic appeal.