Hawai'i desert-thorn (Lycium sandwicense)

Also known as: None

The Hawai'i desert-thorn (Lycium sandwicense) is a robust shrub indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly thriving in coastal dry shrublands and rocky, arid locales. This plant features thorny branches, compact leaves, and produces tubular flowers that give way to red or orange berries. Adapted to withstand harsh environmental conditions, it thrives in saline soils and endures strong coastal winds. Its deep root system and small, thick leaves are specifically designed to minimize water loss, ensuring its survival in nutrient-poor, dry environments.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Hawai'i desert-thorn

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

0.5 to 2 meters

Spread

1 to 3 meters

Leaf Color

Pale green

Flower Size

0.5 to 1 centimeter

Flower Color

White or pale purple

Images of Hawai'i desert-thorn

Quickly Identify Hawai'i desert-thorn

Identify Lycium sandwicense by its distinctive small, pale green leaves that are slightly succulent. The plant has a sprawling growth habit and produces small, tubular flowers that are typically white or pale purple in color.

Scientific Classification of Hawai'i desert-thorn

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Solanales

Family

Nightshade

Genus

Box-thorns

Species

Hawai'i desert-thorn

Planting and Growing of Hawai'i desert-thorn

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Hawai'i desert-thorn?

For Lycium sandwicense, aim to water with around 250 ml each time. This amount ensures the soil is moist but not soggy—perfect for the plant's root health. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to reflect its natural habitat's conditions.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Hawai'i desert-thorn? ›

What should I do if my Hawai'i desert-thorn is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Hawai'i desert-thorn? ›

How to save an overwatered Hawai'i desert-thorn? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Hawai'i desert-thorn?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Ideal for environments offering partial to full sunlight, ensuring 6-8 hours of sun exposure daily. These conditions foster optimal photosynthesis, strengthening the plant structure and fruit yield while enhancing its resilience to stress.

Ideal amount of sunlight ›

Solution for ideal light ›

Benefits of ideal lighting ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Hawai'i desert-thorn?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for Lycium sandwicense to thrive is between 68°F and 77°F. In this range, the plant can perform optimal photosynthesis and maintain its metabolic functions efficiently. Keeping temperatures in this specific range helps ensure the plant maintains healthy growth and development.

What Soil is Best for Hawai'i desert-thorn?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lycium sandwicense thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging. This aids in preventing root rot and ensures the plant receives enough oxygen at the roots, promoting healthy growth. The plant prefers soils with moderate fertility, which means it's not too nutrient-rich or too poor. This balance ensures that the plant gets enough nutrients to grow without overwhelming it, leading to robust fruiting. Slightly alkaline soil conditions, with a pH up to 7.5, suit this plant well and help in nutrient uptake, ensuring the plant remains healthy and vigorous throughout its life cycle.

How to Fertilize Hawai'i desert-thorn?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lycium sandwicense typically benefits from small, balanced amounts of fertilizer. Use a 10-10-10 or similar balanced fertilizer, applying about half the recommended dose for garden plants. This translates to approximately 1 tablespoon per gallon of water for liquid fertilizers.

How to Prune Hawai'i desert-thorn?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut them back to the base to discourage the spread of disease and promote healthy growth. Focus on keeping a balanced shape. Trim back overgrown branches, aiming for a well-rounded bush. Keep the center open to increase airflow, which helps prevent fungal infections. Trim the tips of branches to encourage branching and healthier, bushier growth. Removing some of the older wood also stimulates the plant to produce new shoots. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Hawai'i desert-thorn plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Spring

Harvest mature berries from Lycium sandwicense and extract the seeds. Clean them thoroughly to remove pulp and let them dry naturally before planting.

Select healthy, non-flowering branches for cuttings. Trim them to about 4-6 inches, ensuring each has several nodes, and remove leaves from the lower half.

Choose a well-draining, sandy loam mix for propagation. Sterilize the soil to prevent fungal infections and maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH level.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Hawai'i desert-thorn plant?

Repotting frequency: Once every two years

Look for signs like roots emerging from the drainage holes or stunted growth. These are indicators that your Lycium sandwicense needs more space and should be repotted. If the current pot restricts its growth, it’s time for a new home.

Opt for a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage holes. This helps prevent waterlogging, which Lycium sandwicense dislikes. The extra room encourages root growth and better access to nutrients and water.

Use a well-draining sandy loam mixture. This soil type mimics its natural habitat and ensures adequate aeration and moisture control, preventing root rot. Adding some organic matter can enhance nutrient availability.