Photo: Dmitriy BochkovCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Chinese needle grass Plant Care
Achnatherum pekinense (Hance) Ohwi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking feathery seed heads that resemble fluffy clouds, this plant originates from China and Japan. Achnatherum pekinense is highly sought after by plant collectors for its elegant ornamental value and unique texture, adding a touch of whimsy to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Chinese needle grass?
Water Chinese needle grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Chinese needle grass Native To?
What Is the Chinese needle grass?
Chinese needle grass (Achnatherum pekinense) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Achnatherum genus. Chinese needle grass is native to China. Chinese needle grass is also known as Chinese stipagrostis.
Chinese needle grass displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Chinese needle grass produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chinese needle grass?
Achnatherum pekinense requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chinese needle grass Need?
Chinese needle grass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chinese needle grass Prefer?
Achnatherum pekinense grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Chinese needle grass prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chinese needle grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Chinese needle grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chinese needle grass?
Feed Chinese needle grass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Chinese needle grass?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Chinese needle grass?
Chinese needle grass can be propagated through seeds, division.
Is the Chinese needle grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chinese needle grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chinese needle grass?
Chinese needle grass is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Chinese needle grass Need?
Chinese needle grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Chinese needle grass is native to China.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Chinese needle grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Achnatherum genus — compare its care with other Achnatherum species on PlantoScan.
Achnatherum is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Chinese needle grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Achnatherum pekinense (Hance) Ohwi, family Poaceae (first published in Bull. Natl. Sci. Mus. Tokyo 33: 66 (1953)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chinese needle grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Dmitriy Bochkov, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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