Asparagus is a small shrub. It has beautiful openwork branches that are used in decorating bouquets. IN spring time the plant forms fleshy young shoots that can be used in cooking. They contain a large number of vitamins, microelements. The lifespan of the plant varies between 18-20 years. Over its entire life, asparagus produces 48-52 shoots. Asparagus can be grown in both open ground, and at home.
Photo
Care after purchase
We will tell you in detail about how to care for Asparagus at home.
The Asparagus indoor flower does not require any special care at home. Immediately after purchase, the plant is installed on the windowsill. It is important that Asparagus gets required amount sunlight. The asparagus is then left alone for several days. The flower must get used to new growing conditions.
If you start immediately replanting the plant into the deepest pot, the flower may die. Only after 3-7 days do they water the asparagus, begin to fertilize, form a crown, or replant. 7 days after purchase, as a preventative measure, the plant is treated with solutions against pests and diseases. A solution of laundry and tar soap is perfect.
Bloom
The flowers of the plant are miniature, in the form of bells. Flowers are unisexual, dioecious. Most of the flowers are located in the axils of scaly leaves. Perianth correct form. Can be free or with six even sections.
Indoor asparagus has 6 stamens and a three-locular ovary. The column is shortened. Has three stigmas. The flowers are pale pink or snow-white. Found on the entire surface of the stem. They emit a pleasant fragrant aroma. Asparagus is a self-pollinating plant. After the flowers fade, a small blue-black or bright red fruit is formed. The fruit looks like a six-partitioned berry.
Important! Only adult plants that have reached 5-6 years of age bloom.
Crown formation
The plant has an elegant appearance. When cut, it retains its freshness very long time. The flower has lacy greenery, which gives the plant lightness.
Due to the fact that the plant is fast-growing, it is periodically allowed to form a crown. To do this, use a sharp knife or garden shears.
But it is worth considering that If the flower is grown for cooking, cutting the stems is strictly prohibited. Only stems 2-3 years old can be used in cooking.
Landing
How to plant asparagus?
Planting should be done in spring period. It is necessary to catch up before the buds grow. When planting, you can use a two-layer digging.
The top layer of soil, mixed with fertilizers, is placed at the bottom of the container. The second layer of soil is turned to the surface. A small depression is made in the middle into which the plant is placed. The root system is sprinkled with soil. After the procedure, the flower is watered generously and sprayed with water from a spray bottle. Then install it in a well-lit place.
Important! When planting, the apical buds are left in grooves 18-22 cm below the soil surface.
Transfer
Let's take a closer look at how to transplant Asparagus at home.
Only mature plants older than three years need to be replanted. The main signal for transplantation can be protruding drainage holes roots. This means that the root system does not have enough space.
The plant needs the deepest and widest container. Asparagus is replanted at home every 3-4 years. For each transplant, you should use containers that are 3-4 cm larger than the previous ones. Experienced gardeners recommend a small trimming of the root system.
Within one week, asparagus can adapt to new changes and recover from the stress it has experienced. Therefore, it is better not to touch the plant during this period. Only after 7 days can the flower begin to be watered and fertilized.
Important! When replanting, you should absolutely not use plastic pots. They are made from low-quality material that releases toxins. Because of this, when watered or in hot weather, Asparagus may die. Therefore, it is recommended to use clay or ceramic pots.
Growing
You can grow Asparagus in pots or deep pots. The plant can grow at home, open ground, greenhouses and botanical gardens. Asparagus is often used in flower arrangements. The plant decorates offices, loggias and balconies.
Reproduction
Let's talk about how to propagate Asparagus at home.
Asparagus is propagated at home by seedlings. The seeds are soaked for 24-48 hours in warm water. Withstand planting material at a temperature not lower than 20°C.
Small containers can be used (for further transplantation) or final wide. Use black soil, leaf or turf soil.
Add a small amount of compost to the soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is loose and breathable. Seeds may not germinate in rocky soil. Within 48 hours, the seeds should have a green sprout. Only after this a small furrow no more than 5 cm deep is made in the soil.
After the first shoots appear, root system cover with soil to a depth of 3 cm. After this, it is necessary to cover the soil with a layer of humus equal to 1 cm. This procedure significantly increases the germination of seeds.
You can learn more about growing Asparagus from seeds at home or in open ground.
The soil
Asparagus grows well in neutral or slightly acidic soil. If the soil is very acidic, experienced gardeners recommend liming the soil. You can use leaf, turf soil or black soil. It is allowed to add peat or coarse sea sand to the soil.
Asparagus at home is very demanding of nitrogen. Therefore, the soil must be dug up periodically. You can add compost or rotted manure to the soil. The plant must have good drainage. To do this, place a container with forest moss or moistened pebbles at the bottom.
Lighting
Asparagus is very demanding on lighting. The plant grows well in bright rooms With big amount sunlight.
But it is worth considering that Asparagus does not tolerate prolonged exposure sun rays. Therefore, when growing on southern sides, loggias, balconies or open ground - the plant is shaded.
Temperature
The plant prefers moderate temperatures between 20-25°C. At the most high temperatures Asparagus can only grow in open ground. When grown at home, asparagus does not tolerate hot climates and dry air. The flower begins to hurt, dry out and turn yellow. The shoots become very elongated and bare.
Therefore, in hot weather it is recommended to spray the plant with water from a spray bottle. The plant can tolerate short-term temperature changes. IN winter time Asparagus is kept at a temperature of 14-16°C. At this time, asparagus has a dormant period. The stems may begin to become bare. But in the spring, buds begin to form in the sinuses, from which new shoots grow.
Important! Homemade asparagus does not tolerate cold gusts of wind. Does not grow well in drafty areas.
Outdoor care
Asparagus flowers do not require special care in open ground conditions. A place for planting asparagus must be chosen at an elevation. Shouldn't be nearby groundwater. The area should be well lit.
Asparagus should be planted in open soil in mid-spring. Planting with seeds or young shoots is allowed. But it is worth considering that when planting seeds, the asparagus harvest can only be obtained after 3-4 years.
During growth it is necessary to monitor weeds. When they occur, carefully weed the soil next to the plant. Weed representatives of the flora take a large amount of minerals.
When growing in open ground, asparagus shoots must be tied to wooden pegs. This procedure protects the plant from strong winds. The shoots should not be allowed to bend toward the ground. When in contact with soil, asparagus may begin to rot.
When harvesting, choose elongated shoots that have reached 10-12 cm. The cutting depth should be 6-8 cm. To prolong the harvest, it is recommended to plant early, mid-early and late subspecies in one area.
Important! Asparagus is the sacred vegetable of Egypt. Used in various magical rituals and sacrifices. Today, Asparagus is very popular in the West and Europe. In elite restaurants, young shoots of the plant are considered a luxurious delicacy.
Benefits and harms
The active substances contained in the plant cleanse the blood and remove toxins. Asparagus is low in calories. Therefore, this product is included in various diets. Due to the presence of folic acid, homemade Asparagus should be used by pregnant women.
Disadvantages include intolerance and allergic reactions. It is strictly forbidden to consume asparagus daily. Otherwise, a large amount of acid will accumulate in the body, forming urolithiasis.
Diseases and pests
All diseases arise from improper care. Asparagus leaves may turn yellow and fall off. This may indicate a lack of moisture or too much sunlight.
The plant may be affected by aphids, spider mites or scale insects. As a preventive measure, Asparagus should be kept clean. When pests appear, you can use fungicides or traditional methods.
Useful video
You can learn more about how to care for a flower and how to plant Asparagus in the video below:
Asparagus– beautiful graceful plant, having an openwork crown. Can be grown as a bush or hanging plant. Actively used for interior decoration. Can purify the air from pathogens. Loves a lot of sunlight. It responds well to fertilizing and systematic watering.
Asparagus is a houseplant, a member of the asparagus family. In nature, the plant grows in Europe, Asia and Africa.
The indoor flower asparagus belongs to its family of the same name, asparagus or asparagus, although to many it may seem like a relative, but this is not the case. The plant includes approximately 300 species, the most popular and suitable for indoor keeping are asparagus: densely flowered (Sprenger), ordinary, pinnate, thinnest, asparagus. It is usually classified as a group of decorative deciduous plants, but this is also not a completely correct classification, since almost all types of asparagus bloom with small, inconspicuous flowers with or without a scent, after flowering of which small red spherical fruits are formed.
At first glance, asparagus may seem like an inconspicuous plant, but flower growers’ love for it does not fade over the years. The thing is that it fits perfectly into any home decor as an independent plant or as a background one, because of its green and fluffy branches that can serve as components for making flower arrangements.
Thanks to its ease of care, asparagus can be grown not only by experienced amateurs. indoor plants, but also beginner flower growers without special skills.
Location and lighting
Asparagus is a light-loving plant, but it does not tolerate direct rays of the bright midday sun. Can grow well on windows with any orientation, but on south windows at midday it requires shading with a light opaque curtain. The plant can grow not only on a windowsill, but also in a hanging pot as a hanging plant, with its fluffy shoots freely hanging down. Special requirements has no proximity to other plants. With the onset of warm weather from May to October, it is best to plant asparagus Fresh air to a shaded place.
Temperature
In respect of temperature regime asparagus is also not whimsical; it will be quite satisfied with ordinary average temperature rooms throughout the year. Although the best winter temperature for it is +15 degrees, asparagus can tolerate temperature drops down to +10. In winter due to elevated temperature with intense heating, it may begin to shed its needle leaves and expose the shoots. In this case, you need to trim off the old bare shoots so that new shoots begin to grow in the spring.
Watering
Asparagus should be watered often, regularly and abundantly, especially in the summer heat. In winter, watering is usually reduced, but the earthen clod is not allowed to dry out completely, especially for a long time.
Air humidity
Like all asparagus plants, asparagus grows well in high humidity; it requires regular spraying with settled or rainwater, otherwise thin leaves begin to crumble in very dry air.
The soil
As for the soil suitable for growing, you can choose a universal store-bought soil, or prepare it yourself by taking sand (perlite), greenhouse soil and garden soil in a 1:1:1 ratio. The presence of drainage in the pot is also a must. You can use expanded clay, clay shards of old pots, shards of broken brick or pieces of polystyrene foam.
Feeding and fertilizers
The plant prefers feeding with complex mineral fertilizers rather than organic ones, although they can also be used in low concentrations. During the spring-summer period of intensive growth and development, the plant requires weekly application of mineral fertilizers. In autumn, fertilizing is carried out twice a month, and in winter only monthly.
Transfer
For the first 5 years, the young plant is transplanted annually into a pot commensurate with the asparagus root system. Old earthen lump shake off completely and check the roots for the presence of rot. The affected areas must be removed to prevent further infection, and healthy roots are slightly shortened. Mature plants asparagus is replanted no more than once every three years.
Asparagus propagation
There are three ways to propagate asparagus: dividing the bush, propagating apical cuttings and seed germination. At home, the first two methods are usually used.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Dividing a bush of an adult plant is the most common and reliable way, which is used by amateur flower growers. The probability of parts of a divided bush not surviving is very small, even if the rhizome had to be divided by cutting.
Propagation by cuttings
The apical young shoots of asparagus are at least ten centimeters long with 2-3 growth points. Oblique cuts of the cuttings are treated with charcoal powder to prevent rotting and rooted in damp sand or perlite. To create a microclimate, it is recommended to organize a mini-greenhouse using a transparent glass jar or plastic bag. The space around the rooting cuttings must be ventilated 2-3 times a day and the plant and rooting mixture must be sprayed. The cutting process is not often used in everyday life due to the relative duration of the process, which can last for more than 1.5 months. After the required time has passed, a signal that rooting has taken place is the appearance of young leaves on the cutting itself. Then it can be planted in a permanent, small pot using suitable soil.
Propagation by seeds
The seed method of propagating asparagus is suitable for those who are engaged in industrial cultivation of this plant, for sale or for floristry and bouquet making. Asparagus seeds can be purchased in specialized stores or collected independently from the bright red fruits of an adult plant. However, asparagus seeds should be planted in the ground as soon as possible after harvesting, as they may not sprout if they lose their original freshness. Seeds germinate best in a sand-peat mixture with a microclimate organized under a transparent cover with regular ventilation and spraying. Maintenance optimal temperature from 20 to 23 degrees is also important for successful germination of asparagus seeds.
Diseases and pests
With proper simple care, asparagus rarely suffers various diseases plants, and if it happens that he does get sick, then you just need to reconsider the conditions of his detention.
Most often, the plant suffers from the formation of gray rot, which affects asparagus fruits. This quite common occurrence occurs due to excessive moisture in the soil and air or due to sudden temperature changes during the day.
If white spots form on asparagus leaves, there is a possibility of infection. This can be dealt with if you use special acaricidal preparations and additionally spray the diseased plant.
When asparagus is infected with waxbugs, black spots may appear on the stems and leaves, which can result in the death of the entire plant. To eliminate this problem, colonies of insect pests are removed with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.
Also, the plant slows down its growth when the nitrogen and iron contained in the soil are depleted, so regular application of mineral fertilizers to the soil is the key to its healthy development.
If asparagus has just recently appeared at home, its care and propagation may raise many questions. Should you place a pot with a flower on the sunniest windowsill or move it deep into the room? How often should you water your tropical guest, and is there a need for feeding? And most importantly, what to do if the plant gets sick? You will find all the answers on this topic on our website in the article on caring for asparagus; here we will also talk about the main methods of propagating this crop.
Opinions experienced flower growers There is usually a split on how asparagus propagates best. Some prefer to painstakingly germinate seeds and rejoice at the green sprouts that have hatched, while others, without wasting time, divide adult plants during the next transplant and immediately receive new full-fledged bushes without unnecessary fuss. It’s hard to say which option is more effective, because a lot also depends on the variety of asparagus.
For example, the pinnate species, as well as the popular Meyer and Sprenger asparagus, germinate remarkably from seeds. They quickly sprout, develop roots and gain growth, turning into beautiful greenery before our eyes. By dividing the rhizomes, it is recommended to propagate only those varieties that can easily recover from such procedures and continue intensive growth. Old plants react most calmly to dividing a bush. In addition, this way they can be rejuvenated.
Propagation of asparagus by cuttings is considered the most ineffective option, since in most cases they do not take root. However, you can experiment with rooting asparagus stems, following a standard technology similar to rooting rose cuttings:
- prepare stem cuttings at the beginning of spring,
- fill plastic cups wet river sand and place the cuttings in the middle,
- cover the cups glass jars or plastic bottles and place in a warm place.
With regular spraying and ventilation, after a month and a half, the stem cuttings should take root well. If everything went well, they will need to be transplanted into suitable-sized flower pots with a universal soil mixture.
PROPAGATION OF ASPARAGUS BY SEEDS AT HOME
Video tips for growing asparagus from seeds
This option is good because it is suitable for any time of year. However, if you intend to achieve best results, plan sowing for the end of February-March, otherwise during the period with shortened daylight hours you will need to organize additional artificial lighting sprouted shoots.
Planting material can be purchased at flower shop or prepare it yourself from berries ripened on adult asparagus. Typically, seeds retain good germination for several years if stored in a dry place.
Before sowing, soak the seeds for two days in warm water, this will help them “wake up” faster. There is no need for additional growth stimulants.
The substrate can also be bought ready-made, universal, or mixed at home with leaf or greenhouse soil, humus and sand in equal parts. Decorative asparagus seeds are sown immediately, without germination, in a box with prepared soil, placing in top layer soil and sprinkling wet soil on top. Then the seedlings are covered with glass, providing them with mini-greenhouse conditions. It is better to choose tinted glass, since sunlight shoots are not needed.
Optimal conditions for germination of asparagus from seeds:
- comfortable temperature (about +21+23 degrees),
- regular spraying with settled water from a spray bottle,
- ventilation
At proper care the seeds will sprout in a month. When the thin stems stretch up to 10 cm, they will need to be carefully picked into separate small pots, and after four months transplanted into larger pots with drainage and nutritious soil mixture.
When replanting decorative asparagus, take into account that the root system of this tropical crop develops very intensively, displacing the soil, so do not fill the pot with soil to the very top - leave a free distance to the edges.
WE DIVIDE AN ADULT BUSH WITHOUT HARM TO THE PLANT
Whether it is Meyer's, Sprenger's, sickle-shaped or pinnate asparagus, propagation by dividing the rhizome must be done very carefully: An overseas guest reacts too painfully to such procedures. The bush is divided in the spring, when the overgrown plant is next transferred to a container bigger size.
The flower is carefully removed from the pot, the soil is shaken off the roots and all old, bare stems are carefully removed. Next, the bush along with the rhizome is divided into several parts, each planted in a separate pot with moistened soil mixture.
The resulting new bushes are first kept in a dark place at a temperature of +15 degrees, so that it is easier for them to recover, and are periodically watered. After a month, the plants will be strong enough, then it will be possible to move them closer to the light: on the windowsill or next to the window, depending on how this type asparagus perceives sunlight.
Among indoor plants, asparagus stands out for its unpretentious nature, longevity and very rapid growth of the root system. If you look inside the pot in which homemade asparagus grows, you will find a tightly intertwined ball of mass of elongated juicy tubers and thin connecting roots.
Thanks to this structure of the root system, the plant is able to store nutrients and moisture for future use, waiting out periods of drought, as well as during good care grow and multiply quickly.
Transplanting asparagus
Asparagus grown at home, when it gets into the nutrient soil, begins to actively take over the volume of the pot.
Until the roots and tubers of the plant fill the entire container, you should not wait for the greenery to grow.
This behavior is characteristic of all varieties of domestic asparagus, whether it is a young seedling recently obtained from seed or a mature perennial specimen. Therefore, when choosing a pot for asparagus, you should not stop looking at a large container in the hope that it will last the plant for many years. It is more correct that the diameter of the new pot is only a couple of centimeters wider than the previous one. At the same time, young asparagus, up to 4–5 years old, are usually replanted annually, and older specimens can be replanted no more often than after 2–4 years.
The frequency of transplants directly depends on the condition of the pet and the amount of soil remaining in the pot, which the growing asparagus roots mercilessly push out of the allotted volume of the pot.
Despite their endurance, not all asparagus can safely endure the transshipment new dishes, therefore, noticing that the plant does not suffer from cramped pot, it is better to refuse replanting, and if possible add fresh substrate and feed homemade asparagus.
But there are situations when it is impossible to do without asparagus transplantation. This procedure is necessary if the plant has just been purchased and is in a shipping container with a small amount peat filler.
In this case, you need not only to transfer the plant to nutritious loose soil, but also to pre-rinse the crown warm water. Such a shower will help wash away the wax-like substance from the phyllocladia, which is used to treat asparagus before being sent to trading network. The product protects the crown from moisture evaporation and loss of decorativeness, but if it is not removed, it will lead to rapid shedding of homemade asparagus.
If a plant with roots protruding from the drainage holes is replanted, the root system can easily be damaged, which will lengthen the acclimatization period and complicate rooting. Helps remove asparagus from the pot abundant watering. To do this, the earthen lump is thoroughly moistened, making sure that the water saturates it entirely. This can be done in several steps, constantly draining the water that gets into the pan.
Soaked roots are more elastic than dry ones, so they are not only easier to remove from the pot, but also easier to untangle. This is especially important if replanting asparagus is combined with dividing the plant into several independent seedlings:
- Before transplanting, remove all old stems from asparagus that are beginning to turn yellow or dry out.
- A small amount of soil is poured onto the drainage layer, on which an asparagus plant is placed, the roots of which can be sprayed with warm water.
- The remaining gaps on the sides are filled with a substrate, from which the top layer is then made.
- After which the asparagus is watered and, if necessary, mulched with a small amount of substrate.
Soil for homemade asparagus
The best time to transplant asparagus at home is spring. A plant starting a new growing season will easily tolerate the procedure and quickly begin to grow.
Unpretentious to soil composition indoor flower can grow in nutritious, organic-rich, loose soil.
As such a substrate you can take the following mixture:
- 2 parts of garden soil;
- 1 part humus;
- 1 part sand, which can be replaced with perlite or verticulite.
If the soil is mixed independently, all components natural origin It is important to disinfect and sterilize to prevent pests and pathogens from entering the asparagus pot.
When the necessary components are missing, they can be replaced with universal soil for indoor plants with a small addition of perlite. When replanting asparagus, we must not forget that the plant needs drainage, which is made from fine expanded clay or gravel.
Sooner or later, a growing pet will force the owner to think not only about how to replant, but also how to propagate homemade asparagus. Most often, for this purpose, an adult bush is divided during transplantation, but if desired, young plants can be obtained using cuttings or seeds.
Propagation of asparagus by dividing the bush
This method of propagation by tubers or asparagus roots has many advantages. First of all, by dividing the common root system, you can quickly get several independent plants with your own roots.
Acclimatization of such asparagus lasts much less than the time required for rooting asparagus propagated by cuttings or waiting for seedlings to grow.
The soaked earthen lump is removed from the pot, after which the remaining soil is removed and, if necessary, additionally wetting the asparagus roots, the bush is divided into separate seedlings. You need to be careful when performing this procedure, as many types of asparagus are thorny and can damage the skin on your palms.
The main thing is that all parts intended for propagation of asparagus have healthy roots, as well as at least one growth point.
When this work is done, the plants are planted in pots prepared in advance for asparagus with a drainage layer and nutritious soil mixture. After transplantation, the asparagus is watered and placed in a shaded place where drafts and direct rays of the sun will not harm the pet.
Acclimatization takes about a month, during which the plant is moderately fed, but not fed, so as not to burn the damaged roots.
Propagation of domestic asparagus by cuttings
You can obtain cuttings suitable for propagation from an asparagus plant from the end of February until June. The timing is determined by the fact that the active growing season of the flower begins in spring, and it takes at least one and a half months for the shoot to take root. It is convenient to cut off shoots during spring transplantation; it is better to pay attention not to young phyllocladies, but to last year’s ones. For rooting, cuttings with a length of at least 10–15 cm, without signs of disease or wilting, are suitable.
Cut shoots are dropped into a mixture of wet sand, perlite and peat. The volume of the pot for asparagus should not be large; for the first time, containers no larger than 100 ml are quite suitable. To reduce moisture evaporation from the surface of the substrate, containers with cuttings intended for propagation are covered with bags or plastic cups.
It is better if, for rooting, the cuttings are placed on a lighted windowsill, where there is no direct sunlight or drafts. The temperature at this time should be between 20–22 °C. The soil is regularly moistened with a spray bottle, and the plantings are ventilated daily, trying to avoid condensation.
Asparagus roots appear within a month, which is clearly visible if the cuttings are planted in transparent cups. After this, the viable plant can be transferred to a permanent place of residence.
Propagation of domestic asparagus by seeds
Not only seeds purchased in a store are suitable for sowing, but also those obtained independently, as a result artificial pollination white small asparagus flowers.
In the first case, it is extremely important to pay attention to the expiration dates of seeds that quickly lose their viability. But fresh seed directly from the bush rarely fails and quickly sprouts, but, unfortunately, does not retain its parental properties if asparagus of hybrid origin is propagated.
Black rather large seeds are planted in the soil in February or March, after soaking for 24–48 hours in warm water. And then the swollen asparagus seeds are laid out on the surface of a mixture of moistened peat and sand and sprinkled with a small amount of the same substrate.
To keep the crops at constant humidity, cover the containers with film or glass and place them in a dark place:
- The optimal temperature for pecking asparagus seeds is 18–23 °C.
- To prevent the formation of mold and soil acidification, asparagus propagated by seeds is ventilated daily.
- Watering is carried out by spraying, which will prevent the soil from being washed away and damaging the root system of the sprouts.
Shoots of asparagus propagated by seeds appear in 20–40 days. And as soon as green needles become visible above the soil surface, the plant requires transfer to light. And if necessary, they ensure that the sprouts are not overly elongated and weak.
After a month, when small plants obtained from asparagus seeds reach a height of 10 cm, they can be planted in small pots, and after another 120 days - in pots for adult plants.
Asparagus from seeds - video
The Asparagus genus belongs to the Asparagus family, which has more than 300 species. They are widespread across all continents and grow in various climatic zones. Perennials with a fleshy rhizome and thick roots that accumulate nutrients. Branches develop from buds located on the roots. The role of leaves is played by bunches of thin and tender stems. Instead of leaves, it has flattened branches - phyllocladia, extending from the leaf scales.
The appearance is quite varied, some of them are edible and considered a delicacy. They are grown in special fields, creating the necessary conditions for bleaching petioles. Some are used in landscaping, to form emerald compositions that decorate interiors. They are exceptionally graceful, decorative, and do not require special care.
They love large spaces, abundance of light. unattractive, it is necessary to remove the flowers and prevent the formation of fruits, as this leads to depletion of the plant.
Caring for asparagus at home
Asparagus care at home photo Asparagus pinnate
Choosing a location for asparagus
Location plays one of the critical roles in care. IN good place the flower will not bring you additional trouble, and vice versa - if it does not like the corner you have chosen, it will be capricious.
An important condition is a sufficient amount of light and free space around. Try placing it on upper shelves furniture close to the window - the branches will fall in free space without creating interference, thereby saving the needles from damage.
Required temperature
Lives well in a moderate temperature zone of 19 – 24 degrees. Withstands slight increases in temperature for a short time. This causes the leaves to dry out and fall off. In winter, a cooler room (12-15 degrees) is preferable. If this is not possible, then it is worth arranging additional lighting. fluorescent lamps, lengthening daylight hours.
Watering
Prefers moderately moist, lightly structured soil. In the warm season, water using the immersion method. When a short period occurs daylight hours Watering is significantly reduced. Water as the top layer dries, avoiding overdrying. When kept in cool temperatures, soil moisture is reduced to a minimum. If you notice the appearance of buds, you can increase the intervals between waterings.
Moisturizing leaves
They have a positive attitude towards irrigation and bathing in soft, warm water in the shower. In cold weather, spraying is more important than watering. Dry indoor air is detrimental to the plant. It loses its leaves, looks bare and unpresentable. As the daylight hours begin to increase, the asparagus will produce new leaves. It is advisable to place the pot with asparagus in a tray with damp moss or expanded clay, which is constantly irrigated with water, then these troubles can be avoided. It is advisable to keep it away from hot batteries or cover the radiators with a damp towel.
Bloom
Asparagus blooms with inconspicuous light flowers, which are unisexual and bisexual. Afterwards fruits and berries with several large seeds are formed. If obtaining seeds is not relevant, the buds should be removed to prevent depletion of the plant and loss of its decorative properties.
Trimming
They carry out a haircut, gradually shortening the dried and bare branches. With insufficient experience, improper pruning stops the growth of the entire plant, which is associated with growth characteristics modified leaves. This operation is performed in case of emergency.
Top dressing
They begin to feed when growth begins. For this purpose, weakly concentrated organic or mineral fertilizer for decorative foliage plants. During active growth Feed once a week; as daylight hours decrease, the time between feedings is gradually increased to a minimum.
Transplanting asparagus video
Young specimens are replanted annually before growth begins, increasing the volume of the pot. Carefully shorten the roots and remove dead ones. At the same time, old bare branches are pruned, this stimulates the growth of renewal buds. Asparagus roots grow quickly, this should be taken into account when replanting, otherwise the roots may tear the pot.
Adult plants are replanted less often, trying not to damage the root system. Transfer to a larger pot once every 2-3 years. The soil for these purposes is slightly acidic from a mixture of turf soil, sand and leaf humus. (1:1:0.5).
If the asparagus turns yellow and crumbles
- Trim the dried branches; they will no longer be of any use anyway. They will grow back quickly after changing the plant's maintenance regime.
- Take care to reduce the air temperature. If the flower was very high, lower it to the windowsill.
- There is not enough light and the asparagus begins to hurt. Don't put it in dark room, move it to a bright room, but not to a south-facing window sill, where it will be hot.
- Be sure to moisten the leaves every day, this way you will quickly revive your pet. Be careful, use a spray bottle instead of a shower in the bathroom.
- Water regularly, but do not overwater. Just keep the soil moist, even allowing it to dry out a little. In winter, watering is made even more moderate.
- An overgrown bush needs to be replanted in time. If you notice that it is already cramped, transplant it into a larger pot.
- Don't forget to feed complex fertilizing, because the soil in the pot is quickly depleted.
How to grow asparagus from seeds at home
Propagation of asparagus by seeds is a fairly common method. Planted using a peat-sand substrate.
- Plant each seed separately so you don’t have to worry about replanting later.
- Take care of drainage in the containers; if there are no holes, make them with a knife.
- Water so that the substrate is moist, but there is no standing water.
- Cover containers or cups with film until shoots emerge.
- When shoots appear, ventilate every day, increasing the time by a few minutes. After a week or two, the protection is removed.
- Next, all that remains is to water and make sure that the room is not too hot, asparagus does not like this.
- When the plants reach 15 cm in height and form enough branches with leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into pots, where they will grow continuously.
You need to replant very carefully, freeing the roots from the container with the lump of earth so that it does not crumble. Try to plant without deepening so that the level of the top layer of soil remains at the same level.
Propagation of asparagus at home
Propagating homemade asparagus is not particularly difficult.
Propagation by cuttings
To do this, take cuttings from healthy, full-fledged plants, cutting them out with the heel. Treated with root or aloe juice to stimulate root formation. They are placed for rooting in wet sand, covered protective film or plastic bottle. occurs within a month or two. After the roots have formed, the seedlings are planted in separate containers with a light soil mixture.
Reproduction by division
This method is used during transplantation, carefully dividing the plant with a sharp knife. The sections are dried and powdered activated carbon or ash. Plant in separate containers, filling them with slightly acidic soil substrate. During the rooting period, until new shoots appear, you should Special attention pay attention to spraying the transplanted specimens.
Garden forms do not tolerate division and transplantation well. If such a need arises, without digging up the entire plant, insert a sharp bayonet of a shovel into the place of the intended division, then carefully dig up one of the parts and transfer it to a previously prepared hole. Pour the nutrient mixture into the remaining hole, thoroughly water both halves and mulch. This way you minimally injure the divisions.
Virulence
Only asparagus fruits are poisonous, so if you don't want the seeds, it's best to avoid flowering. Pick off the buds that appear and the poison will not be so terrible. The bright fruit beads are especially attractive to young children, who mistake them for brightly colored candies.
Pests and diseases
If your pet's leaves dry out, turn yellow or fall off, you should pay attention to watering and spraying, and avoid direct sunlight on the delicate leaves. If kept in a warm room, irrigate your pet more. The dangerous pest is the Asparagus leaf beetle, which multiplies very quickly and can significantly damage the bush. If damage is detected on a flower, treat it with fitoverm or actellik at intervals of 10 days.
At the time of treatment, place the plant in a transparent plastic bag and spray it with the drug solution. Leave the plant in the bag until the next treatment, without tying it, but lightly bringing the edges of the bag together over the plant. After the second treatment, the package is removed after a couple of days. This will stop insects from crawling onto other flowers. Asparagus has an extremely negative attitude towards chemical treatment, so try to prevent the spread of pests.
Types of asparagus and photos
Asparagus plumosus
A lush, highly branched subshrub with cascading bare shoots on which the leaves are arranged into modified brown scale-leaflets. Phyllocladia - collected in bunches, slightly curved, 0.5-1.5 cm long, no more than 0.5 cm in diameter. They create a light green openwork, giving the plant lightness and grace. The fruits are bluish-black berries with seeds.
Springer's asparagus (Asparagus sprengeri)
A climbing perennial subshrub with bare, warty stems that branch along the supports. The leaf-like stems are flattened, straight or slightly curved. The flowers are small, fragrant white or light pink. The berries are bright red with one seed. The only one of its brethren that can withstand direct sun.
Asparagus asparagus or asparagus (Asparagus asparagoides)
Shrub with creeping bare light green stems up to 1.5 meters. The leaf-shaped plates are ovoid, glossy, dark emerald in color. The fruits become bright red when ripe. Flexible shoots require support.
Meyer's asparagus (Asparagus meyeri)
A shrub with pubescent shoots 50-60 cm long, hard and densely pubescent. It is exquisitely decorative. Bright emerald green, fern-like foliage creates an airy, lacy volume. The hand just reaches out to touch and stroke this furry miracle.
Asparagus benuissimus
Similar in appearance with asparagus pinnate, but it leaf blades longer and thinner, located sparsely. The length of the shoots of this plant with good care reaches 1.5 meters.
Asparagus medioloides
Evergreen phyllocladies are located on long branching, spreading shoots. Bright emerald branches retain freshness for a long time in bouquets and compositions of cut flowers.
Asparagus racemosus
Bright emerald, densely pubescent, climbing with shoots up to 2 meters long. Linear-subulate cladodes in bunches form an openwork halo of light green lace. Dense pink fragrant flowers are collected in tassels.
Crescent asparagus (Asparagus faicatus)
On long and thick shoots about a meter long, many sickle-shaped cladodes with a corrugated edge about 8 cm long are scattered. Lush bush responds well to pruning. Spectacular fragrant flowers collected in a brush white. More cold-resistant, it can be kept on a balcony or loggia.
Common asparagus, Asparagus officinalis (Asparagus officinalis)
Perennial herbaceous plant 150-200 cm high. This is the largest representative grown by our gardeners and gardeners. The outdoor plant is used as a medicinal and edible plant. Frost-resistant and moisture-loving. Demanding on soil fertility. Does not like acidic soil and high groundwater levels.
Responsive to organic matter. It is specially grown to produce fleshy shoots, which are bleached by hilling and used for food. ethnoscience recommends using a decoction of the roots for heart disease, dropsy, cystitis, as a diuretic. Preparations from the roots reduce arterial pressure, cleanse the blood.
Asparagus has long been grown in the homes and gardens of flower lovers
The plant perfectly cleans the surrounding area of dust. It was widely used as an office plant until recently. Hospitals, schools, libraries and some other institutions abounded in pots and tubs with various asparagus.
From the shelves filled with pots with green lace pets, original interior partitions and living walls were arranged, which attracted the eyes of visitors, decorating the simple interior. and sufficient unpretentiousness helped these wonderful plants spread everywhere.
Nowadays, many new picturesque species have appeared, grown in rooms and other premises, creating comfort and decorating the environment. Garden shapes have always been used in bouquets. Each floral arrangement contained a sprig of asparagus, highlighting the multi-colored bouquet with openwork greenery.
