Desert Spoon

Desert Spoon Care

Dasylirion Serratifolium

What is the plant

Botanically, Dasylirion serratifolium is a species of Sotol from southern Mexico. However, in cultivation it is more of a 'catch-all' name for a mixed group of hybrids that have green leaves with toothed margins and terminal tufts. For all practical purposes this is unimportant to anyone other than a dasylirion specialist - in the garden they make a stunning focal point for the arid border along with Yucca, Nolina, Agave and Chamaerops with their fine-leafed 'fibre-optic lamp' appearance that contrasts well with other spiky plants. Alternatively their shape is perfect for pot culture, when they can be taken under glass for winter.

Leaves of this plant are used in popular culture to make baskets, hats and strings. Sandpaper sotol and some other plants from the same family are used in making a liqueur called Sotol.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

min 8a

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Provide little or no water in winter. Treat like a succulent. However, they grow faster if watered well (don't water the crown, though they rot easily). In the garden they should be placed in a sunny, well-drained area with additional summer water in dry climates.
Pruning
When the trunk is pruned of the older, lower leaves, the remaining leaf bases create a beautiful symmetrical spiral leaf-base pattern.
Sunlight
They thrive best in full sun, but can be grown with some shade and humidity, but may become leggy.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Plant in very fast draining soil. It is adapted to a hot, dry environment, but has some tolerance to moisture and humidity when planted in a very well-draining soil.
Temperature
Best where winter temperatures stay above 10° C, but can take some periods of frost (cold hardy to at least -10 ° C). Plants in containers can be taken under glass for winter.
Popularity
24 people already have this plant 5 people have added this plant to their wishlists