Alexanders Plant Care

Alexanders (Danae racemosa) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Danae genus. Alexanders is native to west Asia.

Alexanders displays a clumping, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Alexanders produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alexanders 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.

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

Danae racemosa tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Alexanders prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Alexanders 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 added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alexanders is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 9b.

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.

Alexanders can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Alexanders 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.

Alexanders is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Alexanders can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds.

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

Alexanders is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

Alexanders grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Alexanders is native to west Asia.