What to Do With an Asparagus Fern in February – To Stop the Shedding, Start New Growth, and Boost Air Quality

February can feel like the quietest month of the year for houseplants, but it’s actually an important time to pay attention to them, especially if you’re wondering what to do with an asparagus fern in February.

Growth has slowed, days are shorter, and indoor conditions can be tricky, but with the right care now, you can keep your fern healthy and poised for a lush spring. It’s less about dramatic growth and more about maintaining balance: giving it the right light, the right water, and a little protection from winter’s chill.

February Asparagus Fern Care Tips

With a few thoughtful steps in your asparagus care routine, your fern will glide through February looking strong, graceful, and ready to flourish when the warmer months arrive. Beyond its elegant foliage, it’s also one of the best indoor plants for improving air quality and adding a touch of natural humidity to your home during the winter.

1. Find the Right Spot

Asparagus ferns do best in bright, indirect light, but getting that balance right really matters. Harsh, direct sun will scorch those fine, feathery fronds, while too little light leaves them thin, leggy, and a bit lackluster. I like to position mine near an east-facing window where it gets gentle morning sun, or in a north-facing spot with steady ambient light. The goal is soft brightness without extremes.

If your plant sits in a north-facing window or a naturally dark room, a Full Spectrum Clip Plant Growing Lamp from Amazon is a smart solution – and it’s a best-seller for good reason. It delivers bright, balanced light exactly where you need it without hogging table space, which makes it ideal for shelves or sideboards.

Another simple fix is adjusting the height rather than adding more light. A plant stand can lift your fern closer to a window and dramatically improve exposure. I recently picked up the Bamboo Plant Stand from IKEA for mine, and even that subtle boost in height made a visible difference in how full and vibrant the fronds look.

The real secret, though, is consistency. Asparagus ferns respond beautifully when they have a stable, well-lit home that doesn’t change day to day.

2. Water Wisely

February is a slow-growth month for asparagus ferns, so it’s important to resist the temptation to water too often. Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before giving it a drink, then water thoroughly but allow any excess to drain away. These ferns really don’t like sitting in soggy soil – too much moisture is one of the fastest ways to stress them and invite root problems.

From my personal experience, I’ve learned that underwatering at this stage is far less risky than overwatering. The trick is to check the soil, follow your instincts, and keep a steady, measured watering routine that supports the plant without overwhelming it.

I’m a big fan of watering globes – I’ve added one to nearly every houseplant I own. They help maintain steady moisture, especially in winter. IKEA’s DOFTRIPS Self-Watering Inserts are my current go-to for their simple, streamlined look, and I also like the Watering Orbs from the Threshold collection at Target. Both are practical without being an eyesore, which, in my opinion, is exactly what good plant accessories should be.

3. Keep It Warm and Humid

Asparagus ferns thrive in temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C), so it’s important to keep them away from drafty windows, doors, or chilly corners of your home. They also appreciate a touch of humidity, which can drop significantly in winter when the heat is on.

A few simple tricks can make a big difference: group your plants together to create a naturally moister microclimate, or place a shallow tray of water nearby to boost humidity around the fern. These small adjustments help your plant stay healthy, full, and resilient through the slower winter months.

4. Prune Thoughtfully

February is an ideal month to give your asparagus fern a careful trim. Focus on removing yellowed, brittle, or damaged fronds – cut them back all the way to the soil line to clear space for the fresh, vibrant growth that will emerge in spring.

At the same time, don’t go overboard. These ferns are remarkably resilient, and leaving some of the older, healthy fronds in place helps maintain a natural, full shape while providing structure for new growth to flourish. Thoughtful pruning now sets your fern up to emerge from winter looking lush, balanced, and effortlessly graceful.

5. Hold Off on Fertilizer

Your asparagus fern is still in its winter slowdown, so now isn’t the time to fertilize asparagus. Feeding too early can actually stress the plant, causing weak or burned fronds.

Instead, hold off until you see clear signs of new growth in spring, when the plant is ready to put energy into fresh shoots. At that point, a gentle, balanced houseplant feed will support strong, healthy growth without overwhelming it.

Timing your fertilization carefully is one of the simplest ways to ensure your fern emerges from winter lush, vibrant, and ready to thrive.

Caring for an asparagus fern in February isn’t about pushing it to grow – it’s about supporting it through the slower months and keeping it poised for spring. With steady light, careful watering, a little attention to warmth and humidity, and the occasional tidy-up, your fern will glide through winter gracefully.

When spring arrives, it will unfurl lush, feathery fronds, bringing airy, vibrant life to your space. The magic of houseplants lies in the quiet reward: a healthy, thriving fern that makes your home feel fresh, alive, and cared-for – even in the depths of winter.