Q: I purchased a plumosa fern from a grocery on a whim and it has turned out to be a fabulous fern. It’s unique because it is lacy and a luscious dark green. What do I do to protect it this winter?

A: Plumosa fern looks extremely “ferny” but it is actually a member of the asparagus family: ^Asparagus plumosus^. It is not edible, however, and the thorns on the stem may grab you as you pass by. That said, it is a fine houseplant and can easily be kept in a sunny window during winter. You can reduce its size by half now if you think it will be too large to easily keep indoors.