Common Spike-Thorn

Also known as

Catha cymosa, Catha patens, Celastrus cymosus, Celastrus patens, Celastrus polyanthemos, Celastrus schlechteri, Gymnosporia acanthophora, Gymnosporia beniensis, Gymnosporia bequaertii, Gymnosporia brevipetala, Gymnosporia buxifolia glomeruliflora, Gymnosporia condensata, Gymnosporia schlechteri and Maytenus angolensis

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Gymnosporia buxifolia

Genus

Gymnosporia

Family

Celastraceae

Order

Celastrales

How to care for Common Spike-Thorn

💦 Water

How often to water your Common Spike-Thorn

Common Spike-Thorn needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Common Spike-Thorn in your home

Common Spike-Thorn may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Common Spike-Thorn in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Common Spike-Thorn

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Common Spike-Thorn: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Common Spike-Thorn after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Common Spike-Thorn can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.