Whipcord Grass Plant Care

Whipcord Grass (Araeococcus flagellifolius) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Araeococcus genus. Whipcord Grass is native to northern South America. Whipcord Grass is also known as Kangaroo Grass.

Whipcord Grass displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Whipcord Grass produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Whipcord Grass every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Whipcord Grass thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Whipcord Grass in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Araeococcus flagellifolius tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Whipcord Grass prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Whipcord Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Whipcord Grass every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Whipcord Grass is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Whipcord Grass can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Whipcord Grass while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Whipcord Grass is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Whipcord Grass can be propagated through offsets (pups), division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to miniature bamboo palm plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Whipcord Grass is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Whipcord Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Whipcord Grass is native to northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Whipcord Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.