Water
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as Ruscus hypoglossum prefers consistently moist but not soggy conditions. Reduce watering slightly during winter months when growth slows down.
Also known as Double Tongue · Horse Tongue · Large Butcher's Broom
Ruscus hypoglossum, or Spineless Butcher's-Broom, is a shade-tolerant evergreen perennial with glossy green cladodes, producing small white flowers and red berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Consistent
50% intensity
Keep soil moderately moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Average Room
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter but avoid frost.
Light
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as Ruscus hypoglossum prefers consistently moist but not soggy conditions. Reduce watering slightly during winter months when growth slows down.
Pruning is minimal and mainly involves removing any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. Trim to maintain shape and size. This can be done at any time of year, but spring is ideal to encourage new growth.
Propagation is primarily done by division of established clumps during spring. Carefully separate the rhizomes with at least one shoot and root, and replant them in well-draining soil.
Seed propagation is slow and less common.
Repot Ruscus hypoglossum every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excessive moisture retention.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spineless Butcher's-Broom (Ruscus hypoglossum)
Where Spineless Butcher's-Broom (Ruscus hypoglossum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Ruscus |
| Species | Ruscus hypoglossum |
Similar in genus Ruscus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
