10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House

Published on: 26 April 2022 Last Updated on: 17 February 2025

“Flowers are for Tinder dates. Plants are for soul mates.”

Growing up, I watched with awe how my mother would convert any space, indoor or outdoor, with some love and a whole lot of plants. While some plants are your usual Begonias and Fuchsias, what attracted me the most was the collection of spiky plants my mom was obsessed with!

So it was only natural when I moved to my own place, my ideas on the decor were heavily inspired by my mother’s natural tastes. I couldn’t help filling spaces in my home with plants, and I soon realized I had developed a specific taste for plants that are spiky. But, of course, I refuse to believe that I am alone with my tastes. There have to be more people like me, and this article is for your guys!

Keep reading to find out more on the same.

Click Here Read Out: 10 Best Aesthetic Plants To Buy In 2022

10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House:

“Don’t let the fear of limited space keep your from buying plants.”

Exactly! If you are wondering about the limitation of space, don’t! Because I am here to help you out with alternatives to outdoor spiky plants – if there’s no space inside, hopefully, you will make some outside for these babies. Scroll down to find out the top ten spiky plants for decorating the outside of your house.

1. Agave

Agave

A native American plant, the Agave thrives the best in arid and hot conditions. The best part? This dark green plant can tolerate droughts and also happens to love the sunlight – perfect for keeping outside your home, and it doesn’t even require a lot of care. Another great thing about this plant is that it lives for nearly three decades.

Since there are several species of the Agave plant, it is a little difficult to tell you the approximate growth level of these spiky babies. However, on average, these plants grow somewhere between six to ten feet. But smaller variations might grow up to only four feet.

2. Golden Barrel Cactus

Scientifically known as the Echinocactus Grusoni, the Golden Barrel Cactus is a cute addition to any home garden. These cuties are plants with spiky leaves and can grow up to 3 feet on both sides (length and width). Also, the woollen hair in white colour on top of the yellow needle-like spikes only adds to the visual effect of the plant.

Although these Golden Barrel Cactus need plenty of watering, sunlight exposure, for some strange reason, is hardly a requirement. In fact, while planting these spiky plants, you will find out they are avoiding the sun by themselves. So it is wiser to plant these in a space place in your garden.

3. Holly Plant

Popular as a Christmas symbol for many years, the Holly plant is a classic hedging plant that often provides both shelter and food to the wildlife. Even birds like Robins or Blackbirds feed on the red berries of this spiky plant. And if that was not enough, this plant also happens to be a great source of nectars and pollen for attracting bees.

The holly plant is a pretty cool feature for your garden because it brings in so many aspects. Moreover, the spiky leaves act as a deterrent for intruders. Also, since these plants grow slowly, they can easily go up to 30 or even 40 feet in some cases. Holly plants thrive best in well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic but not dry under the sun.

4. California Fuchsia

Are you up for some blooming, red addition to your outdoor garden? Then California Fuchsia is probably the best alternative for you especially if you are looking for some low-maintenance plants! The plant radiates the whole summertime floral vibes that can improve anyone’s mood exponentially. And if you are living in some dry area, then this one is surely meant for your garden.

The best part? California Fuchsia is primarily known for its flowers which keep growing through Spring, Summer, and straight into Fall. A colourful garden for most parts of the year – isn’t that what gardening dreams are made of? Just one thing – you need to be careful of the vertical spikes in the flowers.

5. Crown of Thorns

Don’t go on its name because Crown of Thorns is one of the most appealing spiky plants out there. The best part about these plants? The Crown of Thorns can easily tolerate droughts and resist heat, making gardening these babies very convenient. In fact, try to avoid overwatering at all costs!

Popularly known as the Euphorbia Milii, the Crown of Thorns happens to be the Christ Thorn since it is one such succulent with actual spiky leaves, which are thick, fleshy, and shaped like tears. Native to Madagascar, these spiky plants can grow nearly five to six feet tall.

6. Bougainvillea Plant

You already know how beautiful a Bougainvillea plant can be and especially as outdoor decor. But did you know that these are great for security reasons too? Someone once told me how all beautiful things have thorns, and these beautiful Bougainvilleas are no different.

The dense, thorny branches of the Bougainvillea plant can keep intruders at bay while adding color to the outdoor decor of your home. Moreover, these tall spiky plants can easily resist droughts and, in fact, thrive well under sunlight.

7. Devil’s Walking Stick

Scientifically known as the Aralia Spinosails, the Devil’s Walking Stick is literally named after its characteristic sharp, stout spikes prevalent on its leafy, green stems, branches, and stalks. Native to the forest areas of America, the Devil’s Walking Stick is popular for the clusters of umbrella-like white flowers.

This is literally a Devil’s Walking Stick that can grow up to 30 feet on average – the long stems, the orange prickles, the spiny leaves, and the white flowers are all characteristics of these spiky plants. Not only can these tolerate several urban pollutants, but they also can thrive well in a wide variety of soils.

8. Honey Locust

Did you know that these spiky plants that go by the name of Honey Locust can grow somewhere between 60 to 100 feet, on average? Aren’t these perfect for stabbing some intruder and boosting the security around your home? In fact, the black or dark grey barks can easily camouflage the thorn once the sun goes down. – perfect foliage plants for your home!

The best part? The Honey Locust is a plant that can easily adapt to any situation and thrive well under urban conditions. These can resist droughts and grows well in soil that is well-drained as well as moist!

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9. Honey Mesquite Plant

Scientifically known as the Prosopis Glandulosa, the Honey Mesquite Plant is native to deserts located in Northern Mexico. Not only can these plants resist droughts, but they can easily survive under conditions that are dry and hot.

The best part? Those beautiful yellow flowers and the twisted trunks only add to the aesthetic pop outside your home. The plant is characterised by rough barks and long thorns, both of which help in making these plants the perfect defence hedge for your home.

10. Porcupine Tomato

Native to Madagascar, the Porcupine Tomato has a refreshing vibe, especially when it blooms in Summer with that beautiful purple tint. The leaves might fool you with beauty since it’s more like a cover-up for the upright thorns the plants are best known for.

The Porcupine Tomato is one of those spiky plants that thrive the best in well-drained soil and sun exposure. You can always plant it inside a container and strategically position the plant in different areas of your garden, creating a sort of surprise for any unwanted visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. Why Are Desert Plants Spiky?

The spines and hair on a dessert plant prevent moisture loss by stopping the wind-effects. These can also help by casting little shadows on other plants. Moreover, the shininess of these spiky parts also helps in reflecting away the sun’s rays.

Q2. What Is The Name Of The Spiky Plant?

A popular spiky plant that has been used for decor as a houseplant for several years is the Dracaena plant. Popularly referred to as the Spike Plant, the Dracaena plant is now competing with other varieties of spiky plants.

Q3. What Are Lucky Plants?

The best lucky plant that you can opt for is the Feng Shui plant. This plant is popular because it is considered lucky in terms of love, fortune, luck and prosperity. The other alternatives to lucky plants are Orchids, Bamboo, Rubber plants, and the like.

Wrapping Up:

“Home is where the plants are”

Now that you have a fair idea of some cool spiky plants names perfect for decorating the outside of your house, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring in some new, spiky members home. Get yourself a beautifully thorny cactus or some much-needed Bougainvillea for the safety of your property – or opt for any other spiky plant!

Don’t forget to let us know in the comments below your thoughts on the same.

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Barsha Bhattacharya

Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.

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Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?

If you are a gardener like me, you must have thought about harvesting greens that you eat at restaurants at your house. One of these days, I was with my friends from my university, and we were discussing the importance of eating veggies for staying healthy. And they could not figure out the best ways to effectively do so. Reading my previous blog about cilantro, Laila asked me, “how to grow and harvest asparagus?” Well, surely asparagus is one of the most delicious and nutritious vegetables you can grow in your garden. But what a lot of people do not know is that it's also one of the easiest once you know how to harvest asparagus properly. In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about harvesting asparagus, from when to start, how to cut, and how often to do it. Additionally, I will also share some tips on how to store and freeze asparagus, as well as the benefits of eating this green wonder. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more... How Does Asparagus Grow? Before I dive into the seemingly difficult process of how to harvest asparagus, let me help you grow it. Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows from a crown of roots that can live for up to 20 years. The crown produces spears, which are the edible part of the plant, every spring. The spears grow rapidly, sometimes up to an inch per day, and can reach a height of 6 to 10 inches. The spears are harvested before they open into fern-like leaves, which are edible and tough. Asparagus grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sun and moderate temperatures and needs regular watering and fertilizing. Asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns, but crowns are easier and faster to establish. Crowns are planted in trenches about 12 to 18 inches apart and covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the spears emerge, more soil is added until the trench is filled Benefits of Asparagus https://giphy.com/gifs/food-asparagus-taylor-lee-nicholson-pejh5q5BBXxi2m4PgF Asparagus is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like spinach. It can help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and prevent urinary tract infections. Asparagus also contains a compound called asparagine, which is a natural diuretic that helps flush out excess fluids and salts from the body. Asparagus is also a good source of folate, which is essential for pregnant women and fetal development When to Harvest Asparagus? The first year after planting, you should not harvest any asparagus spears, as they need to grow and strengthen the root system. The second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. The third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants. The best time to harvest asparagus is in the early morning when the spears are crisp and tender. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall, and before the tips start to open up. If you wait too long, the spears will become woody and bitter. How to Plant and Care for Asparagus? Asparagus is a long-term investment that can reward you with years of delicious harvests. However, it requires some planning and preparation before planting. Here are some steps to follow to plant and care for asparagus: Choose the Day Choose a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden, preferably with sandy or loamy soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool or where weeds are hard to control. Asparagus also needs plenty of space, so make sure you have at least 4 to 5 feet between rows and 12 to 18 inches between plants. Prepare the Soil Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, and adjusting the pH to 6.5 to 7.5. You can use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. You may also need to add some fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 10-20-10, to boost the phosphorus and potassium content. Dig it Deep Dig a trench about 8 to 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. You can make the trench longer or shorter depending on how many asparagus crowns you have. Asparagus crowns are the dormant roots of the plant that you can buy from nurseries or online. They usually have one-year-old or two-year-old crowns, which are more reliable and productive than seeds. Fertilize Spread some fertilizer along the bottom of the trench, about 2 pounds per 100 square feet. Then, cover the fertilizer with 2 to 3 inches of soil, forming a ridge in the center of the trench. Placing the Plant Place the asparagus crowns on top of the ridge, about 12 to 18 inches apart, with the buds facing up. The crowns should be slightly below the soil surface, about 1 to 2 inches deep. Do not bury them too deep, as this will delay the emergence of the spears. Focus on the Crown Cover the crowns with another 2 to 3 inches of soil, and water well. As the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench with more soil, until it is level with the ground. This will help protect the crowns from frost and weeds. Add Mulch Mulch the bed with straw, leaves, or wood chips, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can also add some organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, every few weeks during the growing season, to encourage healthy growth. Keep in Mind Do not harvest any asparagus spears in the first year, as they need to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. In the third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants. How to Harvest Asparagus? Now, coming to the most important part that you wanted to know about. Let us talk about the ways to harvest asparagus! To harvest asparagus, you need a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. You should cut the spears at the base, about an inch below the soil surface. Be careful not to damage the crown or the emerging spears. You should also avoid cutting too many spears from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one-third of the spears on each plant. You should harvest asparagus every day or every other day, depending on how fast the spears grow. You should stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thinner than a pencil, as this indicates that the plant is running out of energy. You should then let the spears grow into ferns, which will replenish the crown and prepare it for the next season. How to Store and Freeze Asparagus? Unlike lettuce, which you can store for more than a week, asparagus is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. If you can't eat it right away, you should store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh, you should trim the ends of the spears and stand them upright in a glass of water or wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. If you want to preserve asparagus for longer, you can freeze it. To freeze asparagus, you should first wash and trim the spears, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the thickness. Blanching is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. After blanching, you should drain and cool the spears, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze asparagus for up to a year, and use it in soups, casseroles, or stir-fries. How to Prevent and Treat Asparagus Pests and Diseases? Asparagus is generally a hardy and resilient plant, but it can still suffer from some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and quality. Here are some of the most common problems that affect asparagus plants, and how to prevent or treat them: Asparagus beetles These are small, black or red beetles that feed on the spears and the ferns, causing them to wilt and turn brown. They can also lay eggs on the spears, which hatch into larvae that chew on the stems and leaves. To prevent asparagus beetles, you should keep the area around the plants clean and weed-free, and remove any old or damaged spears. To treat asparagus beetles, you can hand-pick them and their eggs, or spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Fusarium wilt This is a fungal disease that infects the roots and the crowns of the plants, causing them to rot and die. It can also cause the spears to become yellow, twisted, and stunted. Fusarium wilt is more likely to occur in poorly drained, acidic, or infested soil. To prevent fusarium wilt, you should plant disease-resistant varieties, rotate crops, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat fusarium wilt, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and apply fungicides to the soil. Rust This is another fungal disease that affects the ferns, causing them to develop orange or brown spots and pustules. Rust can reduce the vigor and yield of the plants, and make them more susceptible to other diseases. Rust is more likely to occur in humid, wet, or shady conditions. To prevent rust, you should plant resistant varieties, space the plants well, and prune any excess or infected ferns. To treat rust, you should apply fungicides to the ferns, and avoid watering them from above. Crown rot This is a bacterial disease that causes the crowns and the bases of the spears to become soft, mushy, and foul-smelling. Crown rot can spread quickly and kill the plants. Crown rot is more likely to occur in wet, compacted, or poorly drained soil. To prevent crown rot, you should plant healthy crowns, improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat crown rot, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and disinfect the tools and the soil. Bonus: How to Cook and Enjoy Asparagus? There are many ways to cook and enjoy asparagus, from steaming, boiling, roasting, grilling, to sautéing. The key is not to overcook it, as it will become mushy and lose its flavor. You should cook asparagus until it is bright green and crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method and the thickness of the spears. You can season asparagus with salt, pepper, butter, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, cheese, or any other condiments you like. You can also pair asparagus with eggs, bacon, ham, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, or salad. Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can complement any meal. Wrapping It Up! Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable that you can grow and harvest in your own garden. It's easy to care for, once you know how to harvest asparagus properly. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall and before the tips start to open up. You should cut the spears at the base and leave some on the plant to grow into ferns. It would be best to store asparagus in the refrigerator for later use. And yes, you should also enjoy the many benefits and flavors of asparagus, by cooking it in various ways and pairing it with different dishes. Asparagus is a springtime delight that you don't want to miss. Learn More About: Planting & Harvesting Mint 7 Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits

The Guide to Understanding Your Home Value

As easy as it may sound, ascertaining your home's value is a complex process determined by several factors. For starters, you may estimate the value of your home by only knowing how much it cost you to acquire it, and how old it is. Before we dive deep into understanding your home value, let's get to know why it is vital to know your home's value. Comprehending the Value of Your Home Several factors can make you curious when it comes to knowing the value of your property. Maybe you want to relocate and need to know how much you would have from your old home to start your new one. Perhaps you are ready to get a new homeowner's policy, or maybe you are looking to refinance your mortgage. What is Your Home Worth? Many say your property is about as much as someone is willing to pay for it. In this case, all you would have to do is find someone willing to spend as much as you think is worth it. Generally, there is a lot to put into consideration when it comes to house value. The more you know about the factors to put into consideration, the easier it becomes for you to establish an estimated cost. Critical Factors to Consider • Recent sales of comparable properties in the area. • Location and neighborhood of the house. • Recent renovations and repairs. • The square footage covered and the age of the home. Here are three main steps that can help learn your home value: 1. Understand What "Home Market Value" Means Personal sentiments do not determine your . How great you think your home is, or highly-priced because of its memories is not substantial. Home market value is the amount one is willing to pay for your home. Consider that a buyer will not visualize your home the same way you would. For example, an old couple is looking to buy your house, but you have swings in the yard. While this may be of aesthetic and practical use for you, the potential buyer may view it as an added expense as they would prefer removal, especially if grandkids are not in the picture. A potential buyer will be keen on the following, which determines your house value as well. • Location: They will want to know how far your home is from essential services like schools, churches, highways, and shopping centers. Rooms: The room to bathroom ratio should meet architectural guidelines. Safety: If they would like to be future parents or already have kids, security is especially important. Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood where you have to keep looking over your shoulder. When choosing to resell, security is a vast price determinant. Square Footage: Property size is a crucial factor. Is the compound spacious enough for adjustments here and there to accommodate individual tastes? Curb Appeal: First appearances are everything. You wouldn't want to push away potential buyers because of an unkempt curb. The School District: Young couples or parents would be very keen on this. How many schools are in the area, and are they of acceptable academic standards? Sales of Comparable Homes in the Area: How much are people willing to pay? Keep track of the number of foreclosures in the area, if there are any. 2. Using Online Tools Searching for your home address online will help you learn many facts about your home according to public records. Information like age, the type of house it is, the square footage, the number of rooms it has, how much was paid for the home by previous owners, etc. The estimated value for your property is indicated in the public records. Unfortunately, you cannot entirely rely on the information you get online. The report found is only as helpful as the amount of data collected about your house and its neighborhood. 3. Engage the Services of a Real Estate Agent A real estate agent is very reliable in comparison to online information. Unlike online communication that is limited and may be inaccurate, a real estate agent has real-time data and access to several home listing service databases. The pros and cons will be better determined as they have experience and expertise in the matter. An excellent real estate agent will view your house from different angles and develop an attractive yet reasonable price. Pricing is everything. If the price is too high, it will overstay in the market as nobody is interested. If the price is too low, you will go at a loss, but the right price leads to a thick wallet, a big smile, and a satisfied buyer. In summary, you ought to engage the services of those with the required evaluation expertise and know-how. The ideal experts should offer you a free house valuation to better determine your property's worth. If required, they will also help identify a buyer. Read Also: 5 Tips For Designing a Tiny House 8 Smart House Upgrades that are Totally Worth the Money

5 Types Of Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are considered to be the foundation of the kitchen. Besides lying under budget-oriented kitchen designing ideas, they play a very important role in storing the items such as storage of food, equipment required for cooking, etc. Cabinets are built to store items safely and to provide more spacing and a better look in kitchens of any type according to size. Now, selecting different types of Kitchen cabinets might be a challenging task. Decades ago, the place where the stove and some utensils were kept had been given the name of the kitchen, but with the change of time and thinking of people and the advancement in technologies, kitchen has been considered the warmth beauty of the house. 5 Types Of Kitchen Cabinets To reduce your time and effort, we have listed the top 5 types of kitchen cabinets that will be useful for you in the long run. Thus, nowadays people go for finding the best layout and design for their kitchen. So, visit flat pack kitchen cabinets for better choices. Base Cabinets: Base Cabinets consist of adjustable legs and adjustable shelves with shelf support to meet all the storage needs required by a customer. Moreover, base cabinets come in various sizes. You can choose the size according to the dimensions required for your storage need. They can be easily cleaned. Wall Cabinets: Wall cabinets or, wall-mounted cabinets are often marked under amazing kitchen(specifically small ones) storage ideas. They are similar to base cabinets and are supplied with adjustable shelf supports to provide the best symmetrical look. People generally prefer to install wall cabinets in their kitchen to have a modern, sleek look. They come in various forms slimline wall cabinets, overhead wall cabinets. They are typically built with plywoods(make sure to choose the right kitchen cabinet material of your choice). Pantry Cabinets: Pantry Cabinets are considered to provide a great space to provide a better look to your kitchen and also offer a breeze in assembling. Pantry Cabinets come in the perfect size and can be properly easily installed in the kitchen. They are considered to be the most preferred cabinets because they provide a proper workspace to work in the kitchen. Combination Cabinets: Combination cabinets consist of pantry cabinets and base cabinets combination. Thus, this combination offers more space for storing the items safely. They also cover less space and are easy to install. They have an open top for displaying ornaments. Thus, this is one of the best types of kitchen cabinets that you should prefer. Appliance Cabinets: Appliance Cabinets provide a compact way to showcase your held dear kitchen appliances. They are purposely built for ovens and range hoods to provide sufficient space to store such large items. They can be customized according to your requirements. Cabinets are build up and processed in a systematic manner with proper frames and doors. Cabinets can be easily purchased from specialty retailers, shops for kitchen remodelers, home centers, online retailers, and ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturers. The Final Thoughts Some installers also offer a package deal from measurement to construction, to proper installation of cabinets. Also, you can refer to kitchen designers for the best advice on the installation of cabinets. Cabinet doors panels along with refulgent decorative lighting and ideal Feng Shui appearances will be stand out inch-perfect on cabinet sides, where exposed, for a more finished appearance. Hence, if you come across any doubts, you can mention them in the comment section below! Don't forget to go through our bonus tips regarding proper kitchen tiles installation! Read Also: Top Secrets That Slash Your Kitchen Remodeling Bill in Half

10 Best Spiky Plants To Decorate Outside Your House