Photo: Joe DillonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
King's Wheatgrass Plant Care
Anthosachne kingiana (Endl.) Govaerts
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Anthosachne kingiana is a unique grass species known for its striking light green foliage that forms dense clumps. Native to Australia, it thrives in dry, rocky habitats and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its ability to add texture and interest to arid garden landscapes.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for King's Wheatgrass?
Water King's 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the King's Wheatgrass Native To?
What Is the King's Wheatgrass?
King's Wheatgrass (Anthosachne kingiana) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Anthosachne genus. King's Wheatgrass is native to Phillip Island, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. King's Wheatgrass is also known as King's Spear Grass.
King's Wheatgrass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. King's Wheatgrass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a King's Wheatgrass?
Anthosachne kingiana 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 King's Wheatgrass Need?
King's Wheatgrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the King's Wheatgrass Prefer?
Anthosachne kingiana grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. King's Wheatgrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a King's Wheatgrass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for King's Wheatgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a King's Wheatgrass?
Feed King's Wheatgrass 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 King's Wheatgrass?
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 King's Wheatgrass?
King's Wheatgrass can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sun-loving rice grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the King's Wheatgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list King's 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 King's Wheatgrass?
King's Wheatgrass 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 King's Wheatgrass Need?
King's Wheatgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. King's Wheatgrass is native to Phillip Island, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. In cooler regions, grow King's Wheatgrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
King's 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 Anthosachne genus (family Poaceae) — search all Anthosachne species in the plant lookup.
King's 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: Anthosachne kingiana (Endl.) Govaerts, family Poaceae (first published in J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 27: 23 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list King's 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.
- Photo: Joe Dillon, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, 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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