Dasylirion serratifolium or Desert Spoon

Care of the shrub Dasylirion serratifolium or Desert Spoon

The genus Dasylirion, family Asparagaceae, includes 20 species of palm-like perennials native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Dasylirion serratifolium, Dasylirion parryanum, Dasylirion longissimum, Dasylirion glaucophyllum, Dasylirion acrotrichum, Dasylirion texanum.

Common names: Desert Spoon, Sandpaper sotol. This species is native to Hidalgo and Oaxaca, Mexico.

They are perennial plants with a rounded crown and thick stem, sometimes branching from the base, reaching 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have long bluish-green leaves (up to 1 meter/3.28 feet in length) with irregular spines on the margin and a tuft of white fibers at the tip. The small, cream-colored flowers appear in long panicles (up to 4 meters/13.12 feet high) above the leaves. They bloom in early summer.

They are slow-growing plants ideal for Mediterranean or dry subtropical gardens as isolated specimens or in groups of 3-4 specimens. Desert Spoon is also used in large pots especially in cold and humid climates to be able to protect them in winter.

Dasylirion serratifolium needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. In winter the temperature should not be lower than 5 ºC (41 ºF).

Sandpaper sotol can live in dry and stony soils but they appreciate that the soil is a mixture, in equal parts, of garden substrate, humus and coarse sand.

Desert Spoon is very resistant to drought; water moderately always waiting for the soil to dry out. In winter it is better not to water.

Dasylirion serratifolium does not need fertilizers or pruning.

Sandpaper sotol is a plant very resistant to pests and diseases but is sensitive to excess humidity.

Desert Spoon propagates by seeds sown in spring but it's a very slow process; It's advisable to buy new plants from nurseries or garden centers.