Two-spined Poverty Bush Plant Care

Two-spined Poverty Bush (Sclerolaena diacantha) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Sclerolaena genus. Two-spined Poverty Bush is native to Australia. Two-spined Poverty Bush is also known as Spiny Poverty Bush.

Two-spined Poverty Bush displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Two-spined Poverty Bush produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Two-spined Poverty Bush 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.

Two-spined Poverty Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sclerolaena diacantha tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Two-spined Poverty Bush prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Two-spined Poverty Bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Two-spined Poverty Bush 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Two-spined Poverty Bush 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.

Two-spined Poverty Bush can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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 Two-spined Poverty Bush 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.

Two-spined Poverty Bush 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.

Two-spined Poverty Bush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spiny poverty bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Two-spined Poverty Bush is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Two-spined Poverty Bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Two-spined Poverty Bush is native to Australia. In cooler regions, grow Two-spined Poverty Bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.