Kangaroo Paw Plant Care
Anigozanthos bicolor Endl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Anigozanthos bicolor, commonly known as cat's paw, little kangaroo paw or two coloured kangaroo paw, is a grass-like perennial herb native to the south western coastal parts of Western Australia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kangaroo Paw?
Water Kangaroo Paw every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Kangaroo Paw Native To?
What Is the Kangaroo Paw?
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos bicolor) belongs to the Haemodoraceae family within the Anigozanthos genus. Kangaroo Paw is native to the south western coastal parts of Western Australia.
Kangaroo Paw displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Kangaroo Paw produces unique tubular flowers in red, yellow, orange, or green.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kangaroo Paw?
Anigozanthos bicolor requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kangaroo Paw Need?
Kangaroo Paw thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kangaroo Paw Prefer?
Anigozanthos bicolor grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Kangaroo Paw prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kangaroo Paw?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Kangaroo Paw to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kangaroo Paw?
Feed Kangaroo Paw every 6 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 6 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 Kangaroo Paw?
Repot every 2-3 years in 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 Kangaroo Paw?
Kangaroo Paw can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tall kangaroo paw plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kangaroo Paw Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kangaroo Paw, 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 Kangaroo Paw?
Kangaroo Paw is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, snails. 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 Kangaroo Paw Need?
Kangaroo Paw grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Kangaroo Paw is native to the south western coastal parts of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Kangaroo Paw as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Kangaroo Paw 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 Anigozanthos genus — compare its care with other Anigozanthos species on PlantoScan.
Anigozanthos is part of the Haemodoraceae plant family — browse all Haemodoraceae genera and species.
Kangaroo Paw thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Anigozanthos Species
Other Anigozanthos species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anigozanthos bicolor Endl., family Haemodoraceae (first published in Pl. Preiss. 2: 26 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kangaroo Paw, 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 12a, 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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