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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Dasylirion Wheeleri (Desert Spoon): Growing And Care Guide

    Dasylirion Wheeleri (Desert Spoon): Growing And Care Guide

    By Milo MasonJanuary 4, 2023
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    Dasylirion wheeleri, commonly known as Desert Spoon, is a striking and low-maintenance plant well-suited for beginners. Native to the deserts of Mexico and parts of the United States, this plant is adapted to thrive in hot, dry environments and is very drought-tolerant.

    Dasylirion Wheeleri (Desert Spoon) In Sunlight
    Dasylirion wheeleri (Desert Spoon) in sunlight ( “180803 055 SD Botanic Gdn – New World Desert Gdn, Dasylirion wheeleri Desert Spoon, Furcraea macdougallii” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. )

    In this article, we’ll cover the basics of growing and caring for Desert Spoons and provide some tips on how to keep this plant thriving.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Dasylirion wheeleri 

    Desert Spoon is an evergreen shrub that grows from a thick, woody base. It has long, spiky leaves that radiate out from the center of the succulent and can grow up to six feet tall. These leaves are blue-gray in color and bear small white flowers in the summertime.

    One of the key features of Dasylirion wheeleri is its architectural form, with tall, slender, spiky leaves that radiate out from the base of the plant. These leaves can grow up to six feet tall and are a blue-gray color that provides a striking contrast against the plant’s brown stems. In the summer, Desert Spoon produces small, fragrant flowers that bear seeds as they grow.

    Related:

    Popular Types of Agave Plants

    Botanical NameDasylirion Wheeleri
    Common NameDesert Spoon
    FamilyAsparagaceae
    Plant TypeCactus – Succulents, Shrubs
    OriginMexico, United States
    MaintenanceLow
    Height3-4 feet
    Width4-5 feet
    LightDirect Light
    Bloom seasonSummer
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained
    TolerantDrought
    ToxicityNon-Toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)8-11

    Desert Spoon Care

    Despite its desert origins, Desert Spoon is surprisingly easy to care for. It prefers well-draining potting mix and full sun and only needs to be watered occasionally. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for those new to gardening.

    Light

    As a native of hot, dry regions, this plant is adapted to thrive in full sun. In fact, it is likely to become leggy and produce fewer flowers if it does not receive enough sun. Therefore, it is important to plant Desert Spoon in an area that gets plenty of direct sunlight, such as a south-facing or west-facing location.

    Soil

    Desert Spoon plants prefer well-draining soil and do not tolerate standing water. You can choose to amend the soil with sand or grit to improve drainage.

    Water

    The watering frequency will depend on your plant’s specific growing conditions, including the type of soil, the amount of light it receives, and the humidity level. In general, Desert Spoon plants will only need to be watered once every week during the summer and even less frequently during the winter.

    Temperature

    Desert Spoon plants are adapted to thrive in hot, dry conditions and can handle a wide range of temperatures. In their native habitat, they are exposed to extreme heat and cold and can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 90°F.

    Humidity

    Unlike many of their cousins, the Dasylirion wheeleri plants can handle a bit of moisture in the air. They can handle humidity levels as high as 75%, but they will do best with around 50% humidity.

    Fertilizer

    Desert Spoon plants do not require frequent fertilization to thrive and are likely to suffer from over-fertilization. These plants are adapted to grow in poor, sandy soils and do not need rich soil or frequent fertilization to grow well.

    If you do choose to fertilize your Desert Spoon plant, use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of approximately 10-10-10 (NPK).

    Dasylirion Wheeleri (Desert Spoon) Cheat Sheet
    Dasylirion Wheeleri (Desert Spoon) Cheat Sheet ( “Dasylirion wheeleri (blue sotol, desert spoon)” by MeganEHansen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. )

    Pruning

    Desert Spoon plants do not require frequent pruning but can benefit from occasional maintenance pruning to remove damaged or dead leaves and to encourage new growth. Be sure to cut the leaves as close to the base of the succulent as possible to minimize the appearance of stubs.

    Potting and Repotting Desert Spoon

    Desert Spoon plants do not require frequent repotting and can typically go several years before needing a larger pot. To determine if your plant needs to be repotted, check the root system. If the roots are tightly packed, and there is no room for growth, it is time to repot the succulent into a larger container.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the soil. Use a combination of potting soil and perlite to mix together a large enough amount for your plant.
    • Prepare the pot. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the current container. Make sure it has drainage holes.
    • Choose the spot. Place the plant in an area with bright direct light.
    • Gather the tools. You will need potting soil, a trowel or fork, and a container to repot the plant in.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its container.
    2. Place the plant in its new container.
    3. Fill it with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top for water to drain.
    4. Water thoroughly and let it sit for a few hours before placing back in the sun.

    Propagating Dasylirion wheeleri by seeds (Step-by-Step)

    Propagating Desert Spoon plants from seeds is a relatively simple process that can allow you to grow new plants for your garden or for sharing with friends.

    1. Collect seeds from ripe fruit on the plant or purchase seeds from a reputable seed supplier.
    2. Fill a seed tray or pots with a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for cactus and succulent plants.
    3. Sow the seeds on the soil’s surface, spacing them out evenly. Cover the seeds lightly with a layer of soil or sand.
    4. Water the soil gently, using a watering can or a fine mist sprayer. Be sure not to wash the seeds away or disturb them.
    5. Place the tray in a location that gets plenty of indirect sunlight, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
    6. Once the seedlings have germinated and are large enough to handle, carefully transplant them into individual pots or into the ground. Be sure to use well-draining potting mix and provide plenty of sunlight.

    Related: Guide for Agave Weberi ‘Arizona Star’ (Weber Agave)

    Dasylirion Wheeleri (Desert Spoon)
    Dasylirion wheeleri (desert spoon) ( by author malleo via depositphotos )

    Blooms

    Desert Spoon plants produce small, fragrant white or pink flowers in the summer, followed by red or purple fruit. The flowers are borne on tall, slender stalks that rise above the foliage, adding an element of interest to the plant.

    Toxicity

    Dasylirion wheeleri are not toxic to humans or pets and can be safely grown in gardens with children and pets. However, it is important to handle the plant carefully, as the leaves are sharp and can cause injury.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Spider Mites

    These tiny pests live on the underside of leaves and cause them to appear yellow or brown, which can lead to plant death if left untreated. Spider mites are easily controlled with a strong spray of water from your garden hose.

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs are small, white insects that can infest Desert Spoon plants and cause damage to the leaves and stems. To control mealybugs, you can try wiping them off the succulent with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treating the plant with a commercial insecticide specifically formulated for mealybugs.

    Aphids

    Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can infest Desert Spoon plants and suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To control aphids, you can try spraying the plant with a strong blast of water to knock them off or treating the plant with a commercial insecticide specifically formulated for aphids.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: These plants are adapted to thrive in dry, arid conditions and do not tolerate standing water or consistently moist soil. To prevent overwatering, be sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering and to check the soil moisture level before watering. 
    • Sunburn: Another common problem with Desert Spoon plants is sunburn, which can occur if the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight. These plants prefer full sun but can get scorched if exposed to prolonged, intense sunlight.
    • Overfertilization: Over-fertilization can lead to weak, leggy growth and reduced flower production. To prevent overfertilization, use a balanced fertilizer at half strength every other month during the growing season, and avoid fertilizing during the winter when the plant is dormant.

    FAQ

    No, Desert Spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri) is not a yucca. It is a plant in the asparagus family, which bears a striking resemblance to the leaves often found on common Yucca plants.

    Desert Spoon plants are slow-growing, and it can take several years for them to reach their full size. They grow by about a few inches every year. They can grow up to 5-6 feet (1.5-2 meters) tall and 3-4 feet (1-1.2 meters) wide.

    Desert Spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri) got its name from the shape of its leaves. The leaves look like spoons near the base.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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