Scented Umbrella Grass Plant Care
Capillipedium spicigerum S.T.Blake
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Capillipedium spicigerum, commonly known as scented-top grass, is a species of perennial grass in the family Poaceae that is native to Australia.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scented Umbrella Grass?
Water Scented Umbrella Grass 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Scented Umbrella Grass Native To?
What Is the Scented Umbrella Grass?
Scented Umbrella Grass (Capillipedium spicigerum) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Capillipedium genus. Scented Umbrella Grass is native to Australia.
Scented Umbrella Grass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Scented Umbrella Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers in terminal panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scented Umbrella Grass?
Capillipedium spicigerum 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 Scented Umbrella Grass Need?
Scented Umbrella Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scented Umbrella Grass Prefer?
Capillipedium spicigerum grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Scented Umbrella Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scented Umbrella Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Scented Umbrella Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scented Umbrella Grass?
Feed Scented Umbrella Grass 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 Scented Umbrella Grass?
Divide and repot 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 Scented Umbrella Grass?
Scented Umbrella Grass can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Scented Umbrella Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scented Umbrella 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 Scented Umbrella Grass?
Scented Umbrella Grass 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 Scented Umbrella Grass Need?
Scented Umbrella Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Scented Umbrella Grass is native to Australia. In cooler regions, grow Scented Umbrella Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Scented Umbrella 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 Capillipedium genus (family Poaceae) — search all Capillipedium species in the plant lookup.
Scented Umbrella Grass 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: Capillipedium spicigerum S.T.Blake, family Poaceae (first published in Pap. Dept. Biol. Univ. Queensland 2(3): 43 (1944)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scented Umbrella 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 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.
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