[Arid_gardener] Asparagus fern

[Dick]

Ella, Esparagus ferns tend to rapidly become so root bound the water all 
travels down the outer edge leaving the interior bone dry.  I had several 
potted in San Diego that absolutely required root prooning at least yearly. 
One in my back yard here requires root pruning, too, but it is a chore I 
tend to put off.  I pop the plant on the ground and shave one or two inches 
off the outside and bottom and sometimes chop it a bit with a sharp hatchet 
or large knife, paying no attention to root nodules.  Repot it in the same 
pot with new potting soil to fill the voids you will have made. I then soak 
it in a pan with several inches of water with 1 tspn of 21-0-0  in the 
water. The fern will explode soon in new growth. I irrigate with the same 
strength.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer.
University of Arizona Maricopa County
Cooperative Extension