Branching Spear Grass Plant Care

Austrostipa ramosissima (Trin.) S.W.L.Jacobs & J.Everett

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Austrostipa ramosissima, the stout bamboo grass, grows in moist areas in eastern Australia. It is often found in well-drained habitats in eucalyptus woodlands or forests.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

30–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Branching Spear Grass?

Water Branching Spear Grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 30–70% humidity.

What Is the Branching Spear Grass?

Branching Spear Grass (Austrostipa ramosissima) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Austrostipa genus. Branching Spear Grass is native to well-drained habitats in eucalyptus woodlands or forests.

Branching Spear Grass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Branching Spear Grass produces inconspicuous flowers on tall stalks.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Branching Spear Grass?

Austrostipa ramosissima 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 Branching Spear Grass Need?

Branching Spear Grass thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Branching Spear Grass Prefer?

Austrostipa ramosissima grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Branching Spear Grass prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

30–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Branching Spear Grass?

Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Branching Spear Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a Branching Spear Grass?

Divide clumps every 2-3 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 Branching Spear Grass?

Branching Spear Grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to knotty spear grass plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Branching Spear Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Branching Spear 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 Branching Spear Grass?

Branching Spear Grass is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids. 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 Branching Spear Grass Need?

Branching Spear Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Branching Spear Grass is native to well-drained habitats in eucalyptus woodlands or forests. In cooler regions, grow Branching Spear Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Branching Spear 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 Austrostipa genus — compare its care with other Austrostipa species on PlantoScan.

Austrostipa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.

Branching Spear Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Austrostipa Species

Other Austrostipa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Austrostipa ramosissima (Trin.) S.W.L.Jacobs & J.Everett, family Poaceae (first published in Telopea 6: 588 (1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Branching Spear 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.
  • 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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