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Dasylirion wheeleri is an evergreen shrub found in the arid region of northern Mexico , with a mound of spiky leaf . It ’s part of the Asparagaceae family and sometimes found in the Sonoran Desert in New Mexico and Arizona .
When first encounter the Dasylirion many assume it is sometype of Agave . Pronounced [ das - il - LIR - ee - on ] [ WHEE - Lir - ee ] , Dasylirion wheeleri has several unwashed names :
The desert spoon is oftentimes cultivated to produce sotol , an alcoholic drinkable intimately link up to tequila and mezcal . It ’s also a popular ornamental plant .
Dasylirion Wheeleri Care
Size and Growth
uncouth sotol has evergreen plant foliage that ride out on the shrub class - circular . It ’s a slow - grow plant with a little trunk that produces strap - shape serrate leaves .
The leave have a spoonful - shaped base and sharply serrated margins . The trunk is unbranched and may finally reach a stature of four to six foot while the gullible leaves typically farm to about three feet long .
The leaf extend from the center field of the automobile trunk , creating a spiky mound .
The ends of the green leaves also become frizzy with age . This creates a bleary appearance when look at from afar .
Flowering
The desert spoonful plant only flowers once every few year . The flowers arrive in the other summertime , develop from spikes that reach 10 ’ to 15 ’ metrical foot improbable .
The flower spikes emerge from the center of the leaf russet scab and contain tiny pale chocolate-brown inflorescences .
The people of colour of the flowers depends on the sex of the plant life . Male plants produce creamy yellow flowers while female plants produce purple - pinkish flowers .
After flowering , an oval fruit capsule appears . It measures about five to eight millimeters long and contains a individual seed .
Light and Temperature
uncouth sotol needs full sun . If grown indoors , aim it near a windowpane that receives lineal afternoon sunshine .
While it can acquire in fond shade , limiting the sunlight limits the maturation of this tardily - growing plant .
Sotol raise well in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10 . From easterly Maryland to California , the industrial plant is well - suited for outside growth in the southern half of the United States .
It should n’t be placed in an arena with temperature that drop below 50 ° degrees Fahrenheit during the winter .
Due to the size of the plant life , it ’s not the easiest houseplant to raise . It expect a expectant pot with drainage holes and frequent lachrymation .
Move potted desert spoon works alfresco ( full sun ) during the warmer month and bring indoors for the winter .
Watering and Feeding
Established plant are drought tolerant while younger plants only require moderate tearing . Allow the grunge to dry out completely between watering .
When water the plant , obviate watering the crown . Pouring water over the top of the works increases the risk of source buncombe .
Water the grime and allow the works to take wet up through the root .
new plant need frequent watering during the first class , but they are still prostrate to overwatering . Water sparingly and frequently during the summer for optimal growth .
Fertilizer is n’t want . However , a light program of liquid plant food during the spring encourage fuller growth .
Soil and Transplanting
spoonful flush prefer sandy or loamy soil with good drainage . It can uprise in poor soil .
Transplant as need in the bounce . To remove the plant life , cautiously loosen the soil and gently commit the trunk .
NOTE : Always break thickgardening gloveswhen handling or groom the plant life . The leafage contain sharp perimeter that may grab clothing and puncture skin .
Grooming
Remove dead leaves to maintain an attractive show .
The works does n’t naturally shed its leaves . The leave form an interesting mound around the unbranching trunk .
find out More Check Out theDasylirion Acrotrichum
How To Propagate Dasylirion Wheeleri
circularize dasylirion wheeleri from ejaculate . The seeds can be harvest straight from the plant after the fruit start to ripen .
Allow the fruit to darken and take away it from the plant . When the fruit die , open up it to remove the single germ .
Sow sow in the spring in a greenhouse or inside in a affectionate elbow room with a temperature of 75 ° degrees Fahrenheit or warmer .
Use loamy soil and keep it dampish until the seedling appear . When the seedling are large enough to handle , separate the seedlings into individual containers .
Continue growing the vernal plants indoors for the rest of the year . After winter and the last menace of frost , transplant the spoonful bloom to their permanent localisation in full sunshine .
Sotol Dasylirion Wheeleri Pests or Diseases
spoonful blossom is n’t invasive or known to turn back any toxic properties . It may now and then tolerate from root rot .
If the plant grows in laborious , dense land , it may not get proper drainage . Improve the drainage of dense soil to protect against rot .
Adding mulch also protects against supernumerary moisture . utilize mineral mulch instead of bark mulch . humbled granite , limestone , orpumiceshould improve drain without holding more piss .
Suggested Dasylirion Wheeleri Uses
Dasylirion Wheeleri is a decorative , drought tolerant plant that tot up an interesting factor to any tilt garden , succulent garden , or flush garden . The alone appearance of the plant also makes it a fun ornamental industrial plant to rise indoors .
