Question
Hi Will,

Today I divided an asparagus fern that has been in the same pot for four years, for two reasons:  to share with a friend and because the roots were packed so tightly in the pot it was difficult to check for dryness below the soil and the plant dried out every 1-2 days.  A suggestion to anyone reading this who is contemplating doing the same:  Don't! Of course, that is the same advice I ignored. LOL.

Carefully and painfully untangling 7-8 foot long, stiff stems covered with sharp needles ?yes, my hands and arms were bare - as the outdoor light faded, I soon questioned my sanity.  (Of course, I could have stopped to put on a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, but that is another story.)  Finally, I reached the prize ?the rootball.  The roots are firm, white and healthy-looking, dispersed with bulbous oval structures which appear partially filled with fluid.  My question is:  What are these structures and their physiological role? Are they involved in the propagation process?  I sent photos to your e-mail address.

Thank you, any light you are able to shed on my questions is appreciated.  

Regards,
Morgan

P.S.  For all you enquiring minds, I took a division about the 1/5 of the total, potted it, repotted the parent into the same tight pot using fresh soil, watered, cleaned up dead stems near the base and brought it back indoors.  Unlikely I would do it again.  

Answer
Hi Morgan,

You have posed some interesting and unusual questions.

As you know, I ordinarily discourage repotting. The asparagus fren is one exception, however, if it is growing in good light. As you have discovered, this plant has a very fast growing root system that quickly takes over the pot.

There are three ways to deal with a potbound asparagus fern. One, is to move it into a pot one size larger. Two, is to divide the rootball, as you have done. Three, is to root prune - slice off a half-inch from the sides and bottom of the rootball and replace with fresh soil. The latter is particularly effective if you just want to keep the plant in the same pot.

The bulbous root nodules often surprise people the first time they see them. They are special root adaptations designed to store water to help this plant get through periods of drought. They are not directly involved in reproduction, as your over-heated imagination suggested.

In a few months you can expect to do more root work. I suggest that you try root-pruning next, just to expand your range of experience. That way you can keep it in its existing pot, which is probably what you prefer. And don't forget to cover your arms, next time!

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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