Our Sickle thorn, Amelia, is a close relative of the Asparagus fern Gus, but unlike Gus it’s not classified as a fern. It’s found growing naturally in Southern Africa and Mozambique, where it grows into a large, thorny, climbing bush. Nothing like the edible asparagus we’re familiar with either, so don’t be confused by the common name. Growing it at home as a houseplant however will keep it contained, and its long, thin, glossy green leaflets make it a lovely feathery foliage plant to add to your collection.
It’s not hard to care for and will grow happily as long as it's regularly watered and kept in a bright spot away from harsh direct light. As your plant gets older and bigger it’s likely to develop small thorns and its leaves may start to twine together. You can always introduce a moss pole at this point if you want to offer it some support. Like all Asparagus plants, if your Sickle thorn is happy it’ll produce sprays of small white, scented flowers in summer. These will turn into little red berries if pollinated. Please don’t eat them – they’re meant for birds, not humans.
Because Asparagus falcatus is such a vigorous grower, it may need repotting more regularly than other plants. Once a year is best. You’ll know it needs to be repotted if its roots have filled its nursery pot and are growing out the holes at the bottom.
Did you know?
Because of its bushy climbing character and thorny mature stems, the sickle thorn is grown up fences as an additional layer of security to ward off intruders in Southern Africa.
Regular watering
Pruning
Medium light
