Asparagus setaceus (ornamental asparagus)

The ornamental asparagus or feather asparagus ( Asparagus setaceus ) originally comes from South Africa and the tropical regions of East Africa, but has now also been introduced to South America, Central America, Australia and even Europe.

It grows with an underground rhizome from which stems, about 5 to 15 cm tall (in exceptional cases up to 60 cm), emerge at short intervals, branching extremely finely. In fact, this plant has no leaves but only very finely branched stems, called phylloclades, which perform the function of leaves. Because of these fine branches, it is often mistaken for a fern. However, it is actually a member of the asparagus family (Aspagaraceae).

Its delicate appearance and small size make it very well-suited for terrariums. For example, it can be used to recreate the look of a miniature bamboo forest. It grows well in both humid and drier terrariums, but it spreads quickly and should be regularly trimmed to prevent it from overgrowing other plants. A helpful tip: Plant the potted bamboo in the terrarium. You can then conceal the pot with some substrate. This will help limit the spread of its rhizome.