Spiny Synaphea Plant Care

Spiny Synaphea (Synaphea spinulosa) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Synaphea genus. Spiny Synaphea is native to Western Australia.

Spiny Synaphea displays a compact shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spiny Synaphea produces small, tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spiny Synaphea 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 Synaphea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Synaphea spinulosa tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Spiny Synaphea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Spiny Synaphea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spiny Synaphea 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 acidic soil mix with added sand and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spiny Synaphea is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 Synaphea 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 Spiny Synaphea 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 Synaphea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spiny Synaphea can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to synaphea plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Spiny Synaphea 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 Synaphea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spiny Synaphea is native to Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Spiny Synaphea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.