Desert Wheatgrass Plant Care
Agropyron desertorum Schult.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Agropyron desertorum is a plant species in the family Poaceae which was originally from Russian and Siberian steppes until it was introduced to the United States from there between 1907 and 1913. Prior to its introduction it was believed that Desert wheatgrass and crested wheatgrass are different species.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Desert Wheatgrass?
Water Desert Wheatgrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Desert Wheatgrass?
Desert Wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Agropyron genus. Desert Wheatgrass is native to Central and Western United States, except for Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Washington. Desert Wheatgrass is also known as Crested Wheatgrass.
Desert Wheatgrass displays an upright, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Desert Wheatgrass produces small, inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Desert Wheatgrass?
Agropyron desertorum 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 Desert Wheatgrass Need?
Desert Wheatgrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Desert Wheatgrass Prefer?
Agropyron desertorum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Desert Wheatgrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Desert Wheatgrass?
Well-draining sandy loam soil. Good drainage is essential for Desert Wheatgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Desert Wheatgrass?
Feed Desert Wheatgrass 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 Desert Wheatgrass?
Divide and 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 Desert Wheatgrass?
Desert Wheatgrass can be propagated through division, seed. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crested wheatgrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Desert Wheatgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Desert Wheatgrass, 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 Desert Wheatgrass?
Desert Wheatgrass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, armyworms. 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 Desert Wheatgrass Need?
Desert Wheatgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Desert Wheatgrass is native to Central and Western United States, except for Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Washington. In cooler regions, grow Desert Wheatgrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Desert Wheatgrass 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 Agropyron genus — compare its care with other Agropyron species on PlantoScan.
Agropyron is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Desert Wheatgrass 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: Agropyron desertorum Schult., family Poaceae (first published in Mant. 2: 412 (1824)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Desert Wheatgrass, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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