One of the most amazing indoor flowers is considered to be the asparagus of Meyer, care for which is not difficult even for beginners. Currently, the plant is experiencing a "peak" in popularity, because, due to the unpretentiousness of cultivation and ease of care, it is widely used by florists to decorate home and office interiors. How to grow asparagus properly and what difficulties you may encounter when caring for it, let's figure it out.

Botanical description of the plant

Asparagus is a dioecious plant of the asparagus family. There are over 300 varieties of flower, in particular, the well-known asparagus beans. Outwardly, Meyer's asparagus looks like a small shrub with numerous branches. At home, the height of the shrub can reach half a meter, in width it can grow up to 6 m.

The main stems of the plant are quite strong, strong, even, in some cases they can bend under their own weight. Additional processes extend from the central branches on the sides, which densely cover the shrub. Such lateral shoots are graceful treasures, acting as numerous needles.

The leaves of the asparagus are almost invisible, presented in the form of scales that completely cover the stems. The rhizome of the flower is strong, fleshy, with thick roots.

Important! The berries of the asparagus are visually very beautiful, bright, but they are poisonous.

The flowering period of the crop falls in June-August. It blooms beautiful, in the form of bells, small, up to 5 mm, flowers of amber-white color. In the process of self-pollination, instead of flowers, small oval-shaped berries are formed, with a rich burgundy color. In diameter, asparagus fruits can reach 6–10 mm. The berry contains several seeds, each of which has a small germ and protein.

House growing conditions

One of the advantages of home asparagus is its unpretentiousness in growing. However, so that the plant, as long as possible, pleases with its exquisite appearance, it is recommended to observe several basic rules when caring for it.

Lighting

As you know, the tropics are the birthplace of asparagus, so the plant needs good bright lighting, but at the same time it negatively tolerates direct sunlight. The optimal location of the flower would be the western or eastern side of the apartment, where diffused lighting prevails. In the event that the plant is located on the windowsill on the south side, it needs to organize shading.

The daylight hours for a tropical guest should vary between 12-14 hours. To lengthen the day, you need to take care of installing an additional light source, which can be an ordinary fluorescent lamp.

Important! Immediately after purchase, it is recommended to put the pot with asparagus in a place with sufficient, but not bright lighting, so that the plant can adapt to the new situation.

In winter, when there is a shortage of sunlight, the flower is allowed to be placed close to the sun's rays. Also, in the summertime it is allowed to take asparagus out into the open air, but protect it from direct sunlight and the formation of drafts.

Temperature

Despite its tropical origin, asparagus negatively refers to high temperatures. The optimal temperature indicators in the room are +20 ... + 25 ° С in the summer, and +12 ... + 15 ° С - in the winter.

In winter, from November to February, the flower is at rest, so any temperature fluctuations are not well tolerated by it. It is necessary to maintain the temperature at the level of +14 ... + 15 ° С.

Air humidity

A tropical plant grows and develops much better in conditions of high humidity. Ideal indicators are humidity of 75–80%. In order to organize the necessary level, you can place a small container with water near the plant, install a small decorative fountain or an aquarium with fish.

Some gardeners solve the problem of lack of moisture by spraying the plants with a spray gun. This decision is a fairly competent move, since asparagus loves swimming and regular hydration. Experts also recommend not just spraying the branches, but arrange a real full bath for the flower.

Did you know? The most ancient type of asparagus is considered pharmacy or medicinal. Mention of him dates back another 3000 years BC. e.

Home Care

The tropical beauty, despite her unpretentiousness and lack of whims, loves attention and decent care, which consists in timely watering, top dressing, pruning and decontamination.

Watering

Asparagus is a big lover of water, so it requires regular, plentiful watering. It is very important not to allow the soil to dry out, otherwise the plant will begin to dry. On the other hand, excessive hydration also negatively affects the condition of the flower. With constant stagnation of water in the pan, the roots of the plant will begin to rot, which can lead to the death of the whole culture.

Important! For irrigation, it is recommended to use soft, settled water at room temperature. To soften the water, add a little citric acid or vinegar.

In winter, when the flower is at a dormant stage, moisture should be reduced and watered as necessary, preventing the soil from completely drying out.

Top dressing

Asparagus is notable for its rather intensive and rapid growth, therefore, it needs regular feeding, which ensures good development.

Experts recommend applying fertilizer using the following scheme:

• during the growing season - feed the culture once every two weeks;
• in the autumn-winter period - fertilize once a month.

As fertilizers, special mineral products should be used for decorative foliage plants. It is also allowed to fertilize with organic fertilizers in liquid form, for example, diluted bird droppings.

Pruning

In order to rejuvenate the plant and rid it of too old branches, pruning can be done. However, this procedure should not be abused, as illiterate circumcision can provoke a stunt in the entire shrub.

At home, beginner gardeners can conduct safe pruning, which consists of:

• removal of the lower tubers, while only those that do not form greenery are cut;
• pruning old, bald shoots. Old branches interfere with the development of young ones and "take" their nutrients from the soil.

Transfer

Every year, in the spring from March to April, when the young plant enters the phase of active growth, it is necessary to transplant it into more spacious containers. In addition, each pot should be several centimeters larger than the previous one.

Important! Plants older than 7 years are replanted less often - every 2-3 years.

As a soil mixture for transplanting asparagus, it is recommended to take one part of leafy soil, river sand and two parts of humus. You can also use store mixes designed for decorative and deciduous crops.

The transplant process is not particularly difficult and consists of several simple steps:

• a layer of drainage consisting of expanded clay or small stones is poured at the bottom of the prepared container;
• dried, rotten roots are removed from the plant, part of the roots are slightly cut;
• a new pot is not filled up with soil to the brim, since the growth of the root system will lead to an increase in soil level;
• the plant is planted in a tank, covered with soil, watered abundantly.

A week after transplantation, the flower should be fertilized using mineral fertilizers, for example, Agricola, Master.

Breeding

Three main methods are used to multiply asparagus: rhizome division, cuttings and seeds. Let's look at the features of each of them.

Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is considered the simplest and shortest propagation method. The procedure should be performed in early spring.

It consists of several stages:

1. Selection of planting material. For propagation on a shrub, you should choose healthy, young branches from 12 cm long.
2. Rooting of the processes. Previously selected shoots must be lowered into the well-moistened sand with the cut end, while making sure that the sand is always wet. Also, cuttings can be placed in a container of water and wait until they take root. So that the rooting process takes place much faster, experts advise to cover the cuttings with a plastic film. As a rule, root formation in cuttings occurs on the 30–35th day.
3. Planting sprouts. When root processes are formed on the cuttings, they must be transplanted into spacious containers with a diameter of 10-15 cm.

Seeds

Propagation by seeds is carried out from mid-February to mid-March. Seed material can be collected independently from a previously flowering plant or purchased in specialized stores.

Important! Subject to all the necessary conditions, seed sprouts appear on approximately the 25-30th day.

The process of propagation of asparagus seeds includes a series of events:

1. Soaking Material. In order for the seeds to sprout well, they must be soaked for 24 hours in warm water, and growth stimulants are not necessary.
2. Landing. Ripe seeds should be sown in a previously prepared soil mixture, consisting of equal parts of peat and river sand, sprinkled with soil on top. It is recommended to place the container with seeds in a warm place, cover with a film or glass to achieve a greenhouse effect.
3. Seed care. After the appearance of the first sprouts, the tank needs to be opened, and asparaguses provide comfortable conditions for growth: a temperature of +21 ... + 23 ° C, sufficient humidity and regular watering.
4. Dive. When the sprouts gain strength and reach growth of 10 cm, they must be transplanted into separate pots. Four months later, when the plants get stronger, they should be planted in large containers.

Division

Home asparagus can be propagated by dividing the bush. To do this, in the spring, during a plant transplant into another pot, carefully divide the rhizome into several parts, each of which must be planted in a separate container and pritenit a little. During the division of the bush, it is necessary to ensure that each part receives overgrown shoots. In each part of the rhizome, it is recommended to remove old, dried and rotten tubers.

This method of propagation is advisable for old plants, in which the root system is quite dense.

Possible growing difficulties

Diseases that can affect asparagus are usually due to two factors: improper care and the harmful effects of parasites.

The fact that the plant is contained in uncomfortable conditions will signal its appearance:

• yellowed leaves and their abundant shedding indicates a lack of moisture;
• pale greens indicate a lack of lighting;
• the appearance of yellow spots on the foliage is associated with sunburn;
• too dark, even brown coloring of greens is a sign that the plant has been subjected to excessive exposure to the sun, and its soil has dried out;
• sluggish branches and drooping stems indicate excessive watering. This is the first signal that the root system begins to rot;
• asparagus berries covered with white coating indicate damage by gray rot, the cause of which is sharp temperature jumps and an increased level of humidity.

The following signs indicate the defeat of the tropical guest by pests:

• sticky liquid on stems and greens, yellowing of leaves - the impact of scale insects;
• the presence of a web between branches - damage by a spider mite;
• the accumulation of filaments from wax and the formation of similar tangles - action of mealybug.

Asparagus is quite sensitive to various kinds of insecticides, so less aggressive agents must be used to combat parasites. First you need to isolate the affected flower from the rest, then it is recommended to rinse the diseased branches first with hot water, then with an alcohol solution or a solution of laundry soap.

Did you know? Asparagus berries in their composition contain saponin - a substance that, when ingested in the human body, causes severe nausea and vomiting, therefore, when growing a plant in a house where young children live, you should be extremely careful.

Asparagus is an easy-to-care, but pleasing decorative plant that will serve as a wonderful decoration for any interior. In order for the plant to maintain a refined appearance and lush greens for a long time, it is enough for him to provide traditional care, which does not require large financial or time costs from the grower.