Photo: RoreyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Big Bluestem Plant Care
Andropogon gerardii Vitman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Andropogon gerardi, commonly known as big bluestem, is a species of tall grass native to much of the Great Plains and grassland regions of central and eastern North America. It is also known as tall bluestem, bluejoint, and turkeyfoot.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Big Bluestem?
Water Big Bluestem every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Big Bluestem Native To?
What Is the Big Bluestem?
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Andropogon genus. Big Bluestem is native to much of the Great Plains and grassland regions of central and eastern North America. Big Bluestem is also known as Turkeyfoot grass, Bluejoint, Prairie grass.
Big Bluestem displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Big Bluestem produces tight, spike-like inflorescences.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Big Bluestem?
Andropogon gerardii 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 Big Bluestem Need?
Big Bluestem thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Big Bluestem Prefer?
Andropogon gerardii grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Big Bluestem prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Big Bluestem?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Big Bluestem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Big Bluestem?
Feed Big Bluestem 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 Big Bluestem?
Divide and repot clumps 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 Big Bluestem?
Big Bluestem can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Big Bluestem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Big Bluestem, 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 Big Bluestem?
Big Bluestem is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, cutworms. 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 Big Bluestem Need?
Big Bluestem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Big Bluestem is native to much of the Great Plains and grassland regions of central and eastern North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Big Bluestem 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 Andropogon genus — compare its care with other Andropogon species on PlantoScan.
Andropogon is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Big Bluestem 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: Andropogon gerardii Vitman, family Poaceae (first published in Summa Pl. 6: 16 (1792)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Big Bluestem, 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: Rorey, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 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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