I don't have trouble with the spikes coming out over the leaves. If I do, I'd start training them out to the side and up so I could spike them.
The tissue cultures all have about pooped out. When spring came, I got so busy, I haven't had time to mess with it. I've made a bunch of media and jars to do some, but haven't had time to work on it. Been looking for some Crypt parva to try.