If you have an Aspargus fern you know how ratty they can get. Pot bound and difficult to water and they become an ugly and unwatered house plant since the water runs right through.. So When this happens to my ferns I take the pot off...break it, cut it rip it however you need to do it to get it off. This is an 8" hanging basket from last year. ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) then I gather my tools ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) Carefully cut through the root ball as best you can. I use a machete a hammer and a pair of pruners. The root mass is woody and very difficult to cut through, so I hammer the machete through the mass. and then cut the actual woody part by the stems with the pruners. ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) As soon as you have divided it to your liking, repot the plants into separate pots. ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from carolyn's Garden )
Oh, I forgot to mention that, You might want to wear gloves, too. These plants are vicious if you just grab the stems. I am glad I don't have to worry about this plant as a weed, but as a houseplant they are incredibly hardy and easy care for a plant.
This was one of the hanging baskets I had on the porch of my roadside stand last year. They made a decent amount of shade for the early afternoon and tolerated the full sun, So I am thinking I will replant them in larger baskets for the same purpose, but if someone wants to buy one...off it goes.
I have a few Asparagus Ferns I need to do this to. I've been putting it off because of those thorns. I've been 'bitten' right through gloves OUCH!
Up until now, carolyn, I had very gingerly soaked them in water and from the ends, like you would do long hair, worked and roots out of knots. Then I would cut the main part of the plant. Now I would hack that thingie.....You always open my eyes to something I already know but just didn't connect the dots.... Plants have the greatest "will" to live and can take the abuse of animals eating them and digging them, even if those animals are human. Sometimes those things even make them stronger and healthier.
My aunt has a huge one that has been planted for ages. Last year, she told me to get a piece of it so I could grow it. I really didn't want it (because of the pricklies), but she insisted. So after chopping away at that thing with the shovel, I finally got a small piece off of it. I was hoping the winter killed it off, but no luck... it made a return. So I dug it up and moved it to a location where I don't have to get near it. They are pretty, though.
Cheryl, take the weed trimmer to it. That should help you out. If she asks about it tell her it is resting comfortably out in the back flowerbed... Barb, They are very hardy! I just hack away at it. You can use a hatchet, if you don't have a machete.
