Dasylirion longissimum Lem.

🌱 Morphology

Slow-growing perennial plant that develops a straight, robust woody stem, generally 50–100 cm tall, although it can reach 2 m or more with age. At its tip, it forms a very dense and symmetrical rosette, spherical in appearance, composed of hundreds of narrow, long, arched leaves that can reach 120–180 cm in length and barely 6–8 mm wide. They are matte dark green, rigid, and have a quadrangular cross-section, with smooth or slightly wrinkled margins and practically no teeth. Unlike other Dasylirion species, its leaves lack marginal spines and end in a fine tip without terminal fibers. Its silhouette resembles a fountain or a large sphere of grass.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family

Species native to northeast Mexico, mainly distributed between San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo, also present in Querétaro according to some botanical references. It grows in xerophytic scrublands and rocky slopes in semi-arid regions, on light, well-drained soils. It is adapted to intense sunlight, prolonged droughts, and significant temperature fluctuations. Its fibrous leaves have traditionally been used to make baskets, mats, and ropes. It is also one of the species used to make sotol, a traditional distilled beverage from northern Mexico.

Order Asparagales · Family Asparagaceae · Subfamily Nolinoideae.

❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 8b

Tolerates minimum temperatures of approximately −8 to −9 °C when established and kept in dry, very well-drained substrate. It withstands brief frosts, but the combination of cold and persistent moisture can cause root and stem base rot.

☀️ Lighting

Needs full sun to develop a dense, symmetrical, compact rosette. Very bright exposure throughout the year promotes the formation of rigid leaves and maintains its characteristic dark green color. It tolerates heat and intense solar radiation well. Recommended DLI: 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Growth occurs mainly in spring and summer. It is a very drought-resistant plant once established. During active growth, water deeply and allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. In summer, it can tolerate slightly more regular watering if it has excellent drainage. In winter, water should be greatly reduced, especially when temperatures drop.

🌸 Flowering

It is a dioecious species, with male and female specimens. Adult plants develop a narrow, very tall terminal inflorescence that can reach 3–5 m in height. The flowers are small, creamy white, and clustered in dense branches. Flowering occurs mainly between June and August. After pollination, female specimens develop dry fruits with seeds.

🌿 Nutrition

During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, providing a balanced supply of potassium and bioavailable calcium. Potassium promotes water regulation and stress resistance, while calcium contributes to the firmness and consistency of the tissues.

🪴 Pot

Gourmet black pot, 40x40 cm.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.