Photo: Sam KieschnickCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cheatgrass Plant Care
Bromus tectorum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its slender, drooping seed heads that resemble eyelashes. Originally from Europe, it has become a common sight in North America due to its ability to quickly colonize disturbed areas. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and adaptability to a wide range of soil types.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cheatgrass?
Water Cheatgrass 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cheatgrass Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Tunisia
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Cheatgrass?
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Bromus genus. Cheatgrass is native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and northern Africa. Cheatgrass is also known as Downy Brome, Drooping Brome, Field Brome.
Cheatgrass displays a tall, grassy clumps growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cheatgrass produces small, inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cheatgrass?
Bromus tectorum 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 Cheatgrass Need?
Cheatgrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cheatgrass Prefer?
Bromus tectorum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Cheatgrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cheatgrass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Cheatgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cheatgrass?
Feed Cheatgrass every 8 months 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 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cheatgrass?
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 Cheatgrass?
Cheatgrass can be propagated through seeds, division.
Is the Cheatgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cheatgrass, 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 Cheatgrass?
Cheatgrass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, 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 Cheatgrass Need?
Cheatgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Cheatgrass is native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and northern Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Cheatgrass 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 Bromus genus — compare its care with other Bromus species on PlantoScan.
Bromus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Cheatgrass 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: Bromus tectorum L., family Poaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 77 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cheatgrass, 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: Sam Kieschnick, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, 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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