Red Kangaroo Paw Plant Care
Anigozanthos rufus Labill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Anigozanthos rufus is a grass-like evergreen perennial plant native to the southern coasts of Western Australia. Common names include red kangaroo paw, crimson kangaroo paw, and backdraft.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Kangaroo Paw?
Water Red 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 Red Kangaroo Paw Native To?
What Is the Red Kangaroo Paw?
Red Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos rufus) belongs to the Haemodoraceae family within the Anigozanthos genus. Red Kangaroo Paw is native to the southern coasts of Western Australia. Red Kangaroo Paw is also known as Rufous Kangaroo Paw.
Red Kangaroo Paw displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Red Kangaroo Paw produces unique tubular flowers in red, yellow, orange, or green.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Kangaroo Paw?
Anigozanthos rufus 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 Red Kangaroo Paw Need?
Red Kangaroo Paw thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Kangaroo Paw Prefer?
Anigozanthos rufus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Red Kangaroo Paw prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Kangaroo Paw?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Red Kangaroo Paw to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Kangaroo Paw?
Feed Red 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 Red 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 Red Kangaroo Paw?
Red Kangaroo Paw can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kangaroo paw plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red Kangaroo Paw Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red 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 Red Kangaroo Paw?
Red 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 Red Kangaroo Paw Need?
Red Kangaroo Paw grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Red Kangaroo Paw is native to the southern coasts of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Red Kangaroo Paw as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Red 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.
Red 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 rufus Labill., family Haemodoraceae (first published in Voy. Rech. Pérouse 1: 410 (1800)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red 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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