Wavy threeawn Plant Care
Aristida contorta F.Muell.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aristida contorta, commonly known as bunched kerosene grass, kerosene grass, bunched windgrass, silvergrass, mulga grass, sand speargrass, and medicine grass, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae that is native in Australia. The Walmajarri name for this species is Ngirrirli.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wavy threeawn?
Water Wavy threeawn every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 40–70% humidity.
What Is the Wavy threeawn?
Wavy threeawn (Aristida contorta) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Aristida genus. Wavy threeawn is also known as Twisted threeawn.
Wavy threeawn displays a tall, slender grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Wavy threeawn produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wavy threeawn?
Aristida contorta 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 Wavy threeawn Need?
Wavy threeawn thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wavy threeawn Prefer?
Aristida contorta grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Wavy threeawn prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wavy threeawn?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Wavy threeawn to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Wavy threeawn?
Replant every 1-2 years. 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 Wavy threeawn?
Wavy threeawn can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red threeawn plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wavy threeawn Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wavy threeawn, 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 Wavy threeawn?
Wavy threeawn is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers. 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 Wavy threeawn Need?
Wavy threeawn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Wavy threeawn as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Wavy threeawn 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 Aristida genus — compare its care with other Aristida species on PlantoScan.
Aristida is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Wavy threeawn thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aristida Species
Other Aristida species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aristida contorta F.Muell., family Poaceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. Victorian Inst. Advancem. Sci. 1: 44 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wavy threeawn, 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 13a, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Wavy threeawn 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