Whipcord Plant Care
Caustis blakei Kük.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Caustis blakei, also known as the koala fern, is a species of rhizomatous sedge in the family Cyperaceae. It is found exclusively in Australia in southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Whipcord?
Water Whipcord every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Whipcord?
Whipcord (Caustis blakei) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Caustis genus.
Whipcord displays a clumping perennial grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Whipcord produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Whipcord?
Caustis blakei requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Whipcord Need?
Whipcord thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Whipcord in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Whipcord Prefer?
Caustis blakei grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Whipcord prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Whipcord?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Whipcord to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Whipcord?
Feed Whipcord every 6 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 6 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 Whipcord?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Whipcord?
Whipcord can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to desert caustis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Whipcord Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Whipcord, 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 Whipcord?
Whipcord is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Whipcord Need?
Whipcord grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Whipcord as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Whipcord 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 Caustis genus — compare its care with other Caustis species on PlantoScan.
Caustis is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
Whipcord copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Caustis blakei Kük., family Cyperaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 54: 71 (1943)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Whipcord, 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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