Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Tussock Grass Plant Care
Austrostipa stipoides (Hook.f.) S.W.L.Jacobs & J.Everett
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its long, feathery, silver-green leaves that shimmer in the sunlight, this grass species originates from Australia. Plant collectors are drawn to Austrostipa stipoides for its unique texture and graceful appearance, adding a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–90°F
30–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tussock Grass?
Water Tussock 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. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Tussock Grass Native To?
What Is the Tussock Grass?
Tussock Grass (Austrostipa stipoides) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Austrostipa genus. Tussock Grass is native to the coasts of south-eastern Australia and of New Zealand.
Tussock Grass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tussock Grass produces inconspicuous flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tussock Grass?
Austrostipa stipoides 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 Tussock Grass Need?
Tussock Grass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tussock Grass Prefer?
Austrostipa stipoides grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Tussock Grass prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
30–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tussock Grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Tussock Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tussock Grass?
Feed Tussock 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 Tussock 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 Tussock Grass?
Tussock Grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to knotty spear grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tussock Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tussock 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 Tussock Grass?
Tussock 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 Tussock Grass Need?
Tussock Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Tussock Grass is native to the coasts of south-eastern Australia and of New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Tussock 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.
Tussock 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 stipoides (Hook.f.) S.W.L.Jacobs & J.Everett, family Poaceae (first published in Telopea 6: 589 (1996)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tussock 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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