Cathariostachys madagascariensis Plant Care
Cathariostachys madagascariensis (A.Camus) S.Dransf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cathariostachys madagascariensis, the Madagascar giant bamboo, volohosy, or voloto in Malagasy language, is a bamboo species found in Madagascar.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Water Cathariostachys madagascariensis every 7–10 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 Cathariostachys madagascariensis Native To?
What Is the Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Cathariostachys madagascariensis (Cathariostachys madagascariensis) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Cathariostachys genus. Cathariostachys madagascariensis is native to Madagascar.
Cathariostachys madagascariensis displays a clumping grass-like growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cathariostachys madagascariensis produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Cathariostachys madagascariensis requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cathariostachys madagascariensis Need?
Cathariostachys madagascariensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cathariostachys madagascariensis Prefer?
Cathariostachys madagascariensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Cathariostachys madagascariensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cathariostachys madagascariensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Feed Cathariostachys madagascariensis 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 Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Repot every 1-2 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 Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Cathariostachys madagascariensis can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings.
Is the Cathariostachys madagascariensis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cathariostachys madagascariensis, 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 Cathariostachys madagascariensis?
Cathariostachys madagascariensis is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, spider mites. 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 Cathariostachys madagascariensis Need?
Cathariostachys madagascariensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cathariostachys madagascariensis is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Cathariostachys madagascariensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cathariostachys madagascariensis 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 Cathariostachys genus — compare its care with other Cathariostachys species on PlantoScan.
Cathariostachys is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Cathariostachys madagascariensis 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: Cathariostachys madagascariensis (A.Camus) S.Dransf., family Poaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 53: 394 (1998)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cathariostachys madagascariensis, 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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