Care of the shrub Dasylirion acrotrichum or Green sotol |
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The genus Dasylirion, family Asparagaceae, includes 20 species of palm-like perennials native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Dasylirion acrotrichum, Dasylirion longissimum, Dasylirion glaucophyllum, Dasylirion serratifolium, Dasylirion texanum, Dasylirion parryanum. Common names: Green sotol, Great desert spoon, Spoon yucca. This species is native to the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. They are plants with a thick and short stem and rounded bearing that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have abundant long (up to 1 meter/3.28 feet in length) and thin leaves with spiny serrated edges and ending in a white or cream plume. The flowers are white, bell-shaped and appear in inflorescences above the leaves. They bloom in summer. These slow-growing plants are used as isolated specimens, in small groups of 3-4 specimens, and in large pots for patios and terraces. In Mexico they are used to make liquor and medicines and to obtain fiber for fabrics. Dasylirion acrotrichum prefers full sun exposure and high temperatures. They resist mild frosts but it is better that the temperature does not drop below 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 40% leaf mulch, 25% garden soil, and 35% coarse sand. They are transplanted in early spring if the roots show under the pot. Water moderately (they resist drought well) always waiting for the soil to dry out. In winter water once a month at most. Fertilize with compost in early spring. They do not need pruning. It's a plant resistant to pests but can be attacked by fungi if there is excess humidity. They propagate by seeds sown in spring in a sandy substrate but it's a rather slow process. |
Images of the shrub Dasylirion acrotrichum or Green sotol |
 Dasylirion acrotrichum |