Spiny Acanthosyris Plant Care

Spiny Acanthosyris (Acanthosyris spinescens) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Acanthosyris genus. Spiny Acanthosyris is also known as Cervical Spine, Cervical Thorn.

Spiny Acanthosyris displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Spiny Acanthosyris produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spiny Acanthosyris every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spiny Acanthosyris thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spiny Acanthosyris in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Acanthosyris spinescens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Spiny Acanthosyris prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spiny Acanthosyris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spiny Acanthosyris every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spiny Acanthosyris is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spiny Acanthosyris can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Spiny Acanthosyris while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Spiny Acanthosyris is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spiny Acanthosyris can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to acanthosyris annonagustata plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spiny Acanthosyris is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Spiny Acanthosyris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Spiny Acanthosyris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.