yellow leaves on Asparagus Fern
Quick answer
If your Asparagus Fern has yellow leaves, the most likely cause is: On Asparagus setaceus, older lower foliage yellows naturally, but widespread yellowing on the whole plant traces to one of three stresses: compost that has been kept waterlogged, room temperatures that run too high (the plant prefers 13-15°C/55-59°F in the warm season and dislikes very high temperatures), or direct sun bleaching the fine needle-like cladodes. Yellowing that is paired with soggy compost almost always signals the early stage of root rot developing underneath.
Start here:
- 1. Move the plant away from any radiator or direct sun source into a cooler room (target 13-18°C / 55-64°F) with bright, indirect light
- 2. Stop watering and let the top 2-3 cm (1 in) of compost dry out before the next drink; cut away yellowing stems at the base with clean scissors
Why Asparagus Fern gets yellow leaves
Asparagus setaceus
On Asparagus setaceus, older lower foliage yellows naturally, but widespread yellowing on the whole plant traces to one of three stresses: compost that has been kept waterlogged, room temperatures that run too high (the plant prefers 13-15°C/55-59°F in the warm season and dislikes very high temperatures), or direct sun bleaching the fine needle-like cladodes. Yellowing that is paired with soggy compost almost always signals the early stage of root rot developing underneath.
How to reverse yellow leaves on Asparagus Fern
- 1
Move the plant away from any radiator or direct sun source into a cooler room (target 13-18°C / 55-64°F) with bright, indirect light
- 2
Stop watering and let the top 2-3 cm (1 in) of compost dry out before the next drink; cut away yellowing stems at the base with clean scissors
- 3
Lift the rootball and inspect for soft, dark roots; if any are found, trim them off and repot into fresh, well-draining compost
Keep yellow leaves off this Asparagus Fern
Water only when the top 2-3 cm of compost has dried out, never let the pot sit in standing water, keep the plant in a coolish bright room away from radiators, and rotate the pot a quarter-turn each week so light hits all sides evenly.