Coastal Spinach Plant Care

Coastal Spinach (Tetragonia decumbens) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Tetragonia genus. Coastal Spinach is native to southern Africa. Coastal Spinach is also known as Dune Spinach.

Coastal Spinach displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Coastal Spinach produces small, yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coastal Spinach 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.

Coastal Spinach thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tetragonia decumbens tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Coastal Spinach prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Coastal Spinach to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coastal Spinach 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 sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coastal Spinach 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.

Coastal Spinach can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Coastal Spinach 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.

Coastal Spinach 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.

Coastal Spinach can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand spinach plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Coastal Spinach is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Coastal Spinach grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Coastal Spinach is native to southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Coastal Spinach as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.