Photo: John BarklaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sun-loving rice grass Plant Care
Anthosachne aprica (Á.Löve & Connor) C.Yen & J.L.Yang
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its tightly clustered, needle-like leaves that form dense clumps. Originating from Australia, Anthosachne aprica is sought after by plant collectors for its unique texture and ability to thrive in arid conditions. Its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements make it a desirable addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sun-loving rice grass?
Water Sun-loving rice grass 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sun-loving rice grass Native To?
What Is the Sun-loving rice grass?
Sun-loving rice grass (Anthosachne aprica) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Anthosachne genus. Sun-loving rice grass is native to New Zealand. Sun-loving rice grass is also known as Golden rice grass.
Sun-loving rice grass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sun-loving rice grass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sun-loving rice grass?
Anthosachne aprica 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 Sun-loving rice grass Need?
Sun-loving rice grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sun-loving rice grass Prefer?
Anthosachne aprica grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Sun-loving rice grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sun-loving rice grass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Sun-loving rice grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sun-loving rice grass?
Feed Sun-loving rice grass every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sun-loving rice grass?
Divide 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 Sun-loving rice grass?
Sun-loving rice grass can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to curly anthosachne plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sun-loving rice grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sun-loving rice 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 Sun-loving rice grass?
Sun-loving rice grass 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 Sun-loving rice grass Need?
Sun-loving rice grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Sun-loving rice grass is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Sun-loving rice 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 Anthosachne genus — compare its care with other Anthosachne species on PlantoScan.
Anthosachne is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Sun-loving rice 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: Anthosachne aprica (Á.Löve & Connor) C.Yen & J.L.Yang, family Poaceae (first published in Xiao mai zu sheng wu xi tong xue : 232 (2006)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sun-loving rice 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: John Barkla, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Sun-loving rice grass Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species