This drought-tolerant agave relative sends up a tall flower stalk when mature.
A large “skirt” of dead leaves covers the central stubby trunk.
Desert spoon is best planted in early spring or late fall.
The Spruce / Almar Creative
In cool climates, it is also possible to grow it in containers to be overwintered indoors.
At the minimum, they should receive six hours of direct sun daily.
Water
Water a newly planted desert spoon plant regularly until it is established.
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Established plants are drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing the plant wont make it bloom earlier or more often.
At the most,scatter a layer of compostaround the plant base every spring.
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Because the leaf edges are spiny, see to it to wear leather gloves when handling the plant.
Propagating Desert Spoon
Desert spoon is not the easiest plant to propagate.
Whats more, germination is slow and erratic.
Youll have a better chance to succeed by propagating vegetatively from a root cutting of a mature plant.
confirm the container has large drainage holes and use well-draining potting mix.
Place it near a south- or west-facing window and water it sparingly.
This is a desert plant that needs soil with excellent drainage.
Watering the crown may lead to root rot.
High humidity levels may also cause fungal infections.
To prevent these, ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
How Long Does Desert Spoon Bloom?
The bloom stalk remains on the plant through the winter unless you remove it.
What Do Desert Spoon Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The tiny, catkin flowers are clustered in a long, narrow spike around the stalk.
The color of the flowers indicates the gender of the plant.
Male plants are greenish-white to creamy-yellow flowers and female plants have purplish-pink flowers.
The flowers dont have any particular fragrance.
There is nothing that can be done to precipitate it or make desert bloom more often or more profusely.
The leaves at the base of the plant are curved inward, resembling a spoon.
see to it to give the plant ample room to reach its full size.
