Asparagus falcatus or Sicklethorn

Care of the climbing plant Asparagus falcatus or Sicklethorn

The genus Asparagus, family Asparagaceae, comprises 400 species of herbaceous plants and climbing subshrubs native to Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean region, and Macaronesia. Some species are: Asparagus falcatus, Asparagus setaceus, Asparagus officinalis, Asparagus virgatus, Asparagus densiflorus, Asparagus asparagoides.

Common names: Sicklethorn, Large Forest Asparagus, Doringtou. This species is native to South Africa and Mozambique.

They are fast growing evergreen shrubs and thorny stems that reach 7 meters (23 feet) high. The leaves are sickle-shaped, bright green, and 8 cm (3.14") long. It produces small scented white flowers. They bloom in spring. The fruits are red berries that are decorative.

They are used to cover pergolas, fences or walls, as covering or hanging plants and in pots as indoor or patio plants.

Asparagus falcatus prefers a partially shaded or well lit exposure without direct sunlight. It has good resistance to heat but not to cold; the winter security temperature is 8 ºC (46.4 ºF).

The soil should drain well and contain peat and humus or compost. They are transplanted in early spring; It is advisable to trim roots in this operation since they tend to grow too much.

They need frequent watering so that the soil does not dry out completely. In winter, weekly watering is sufficient if grown indoors. It is important to spray the leaves daily with lime-free water in the summer and once a week in the spring.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 15 days in spring and summer and with manure or compost in late winter.

Prune only to control growth or remove damaged branches.

They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases; They can be attacked by aphids and mites if the environmental humidity is low.

They propagate by cuttings, by division or from seeds sown in spring or summer.