An extremely versatile and hardy evergreen perennial with decorative, finely textured foliage and bright berries, that can be used outdoors in the garden massed as a groundcover, as a feature plant or in containers/pots, even in retaining walls; also on patios and as houseplants indoors. An easy plant for beginner gardeners, as the cat’s tail asparagus is easy to grow and does not require any special care. In mixed borders, as a visual design element, the beautiful emerald-green foliage is used for textural contrast against plants having larger leaves or broader-textured foliage, and as the foliage gives a tropical feel forest, the cat’s tail asparagus looks perfect used under trees, and for the same reason is also very suitable to being used to complement water features, such as ponds. The plants combine well with other shade-loving plants, such as species of Streptocarpus, Chlorophytum, Plectranthus , Scadoxus, Clivia. and Hypoestes. The recommended planting distance is 30 cm apart, depending on the density effect of the design one wants to achieve. 

The cat’s tail asparagus grows in any soil and will tolerate some drought and periods of neglect once established, but does look much better in well-drained soil which is rich in organic matter and is watered moderately. The plant’s root system has thick tuberous roots with swollen storage, which greatly enhance their ability to be waterwise. 

It looks best when grown in full/dappled/light or semi-shade, but can grow in the sun, although it will then only thrive if kept well watered and fed regularly with a slow release fertilizer. Plants grown in full sun, are more compact and dense, than those grown in shade. If grown outdoors in shade or semi shade in relatively fertile soil, Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’  will not require additional fertilizer, as they are not very hungry plants in general, but should they not be growing strongly or have a slightly yellow tinge to the foliage, then the addition of compost around the plants, or the use of an organic fertilizer is recommended, to replenish the natural nutrients in the soil.

If grown indoors, select a position with filtered light, no direct light, and each time Asparagus densiflorus is watered, do so thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out between watering, and water even less in winter, as the plant’s thick, tuberous roots store water and sodden soil will cause the roots to rot. Asparagus densiflorus can be a sensitive plant indoors and will quickly shed its ‘leaves’ if over watered or placed in insufficient light. Indoor plants can seasonally be moved outdoors (bringing them back inside before winter/frost), but should be allowed to slowly become accustomed to the stronger light outside, before being moved to a full sun position. Grown indoors, Asparagus densiflorus will do best if fed with a liquid fertilizer monthly during the flowering period, November to April. Preferably do not feed these plants during the winter rest period.

This plant is low maintenance, as it only requires dead fronds or the occasional old, yellowed stem to be cut away. To rejuvenate the plants, they can be cut back hard, right at the base, after flowering in May or in early spring, in September, before new growth begins. The same can be done if fronds are damaged/broken or ‘burnt’ by frost. Afterwards a mulch of thick compost can be spread around the plant’s base to provide the food support needed for replenishing lost top growth. The plants will produce new healthier, greener foliage after pruning.

The plants are generally and naturally pest and disease free; mites might be the only occasional problem. Leave the plants to outgrow the infestation, or wait for a natural predator to come along and assist. If the damage starts to become substantial, then use a mitcicide, but follow the application and repeat instructions of the product very closely.

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’ is most easily and successfully propagated from seed. Division is not as successful in this cultivar, as it is in others. Collect fully ripened fruit, then remove the seeds from the fleshy berries and sow fresh for best results in a suitable sowing medium, keep in a warm spot in an area that is protected from the wind, in light shade, ensure the soil stays moist, but not wet by watering as required. The seeds will germinate in 4 to 6 weeks, the growth from seeds is slow but steady. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer at regular intervals to ensure flourishing and plentiful growth during the growing-on stage. Prick out seedlings when well grown and repot into a compost-rich, loamy medium. Grow on in light shade, and water regularly until roots are visible growing out the growing container’s drainage holes. Plants can then be planted out into a larger pot or directly into the garden.