Dekriet Plant Care

Dekriet (Massonia depressa) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Massonia genus. Dekriet is native to the Cape Provinces and Free State of South Africa. Dekriet is also known as Depressed Massonia.

Dekriet displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Dekriet produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dekriet every 10–14 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.

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

Massonia depressa tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Dekriet prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Dekriet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dekriet 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 perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dekriet is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Dekriet can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 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 Dekriet 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.

Dekriet is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dekriet can be propagated through seeds, offsets, division of bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lemon massonia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dekriet is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.

Dekriet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Dekriet is native to the Cape Provinces and Free State of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Dekriet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.