Xerolirion divaricata Plant Care
Xerolirion divaricata A.S.George
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Xerolirion is a monotypic genus of perennial herbs in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Lomandroideae. The only known species is Xerolirion divaricata, commonly known as Basil's asparagus, from Western Australia.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Xerolirion divaricata?
Water Xerolirion divaricata every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Xerolirion divaricata?
Xerolirion divaricata (Xerolirion divaricata) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Xerolirion genus.
Xerolirion divaricata displays a clumping perennial with upright stems growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Xerolirion divaricata produces small white or pink bell-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Xerolirion divaricata?
Xerolirion divaricata requires watering every 10–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Xerolirion divaricata Need?
Xerolirion divaricata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Xerolirion divaricata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Xerolirion divaricata Prefer?
Xerolirion divaricata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Xerolirion divaricata prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Xerolirion divaricata?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Xerolirion divaricata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Xerolirion divaricata?
Feed Xerolirion divaricata every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Xerolirion divaricata?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Xerolirion divaricata?
Xerolirion divaricata can be propagated through offsets, division of rhizomes.
Is the Xerolirion divaricata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Xerolirion divaricata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Xerolirion divaricata?
Xerolirion divaricata 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Xerolirion divaricata Need?
Xerolirion divaricata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Xerolirion divaricata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Xerolirion divaricata is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Xerolirion genus — compare its care with other Xerolirion species on PlantoScan.
Xerolirion is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Xerolirion divaricata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Xerolirion divaricata A.S.George, family Asparagaceae (first published in Fl. Australia 46: 230 (1986)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Xerolirion divaricata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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