Photo: Erasmo Macaya HortaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Antarctic Hair Grass Plant Care
Deschampsia antarctica É.Desv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is characterized by its long, wispy, silver-green leaves, resembling delicate fountain grass. Originating from the icy landscapes of Antarctica, it is prized by plant collectors for its ability to thrive in extreme cold temperatures and its rare appearance in gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Antarctic Hair Grass?
Water Antarctic Hair Grass every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Antarctic Hair Grass Native To?
What Is the Antarctic Hair Grass?
Antarctic Hair Grass (Deschampsia antarctica) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Deschampsia genus. Antarctic Hair Grass is native to Antarctica, the other being Colobanthus quitensis.
Antarctic Hair Grass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Antarctic Hair Grass produces delicate panicles of tiny flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Antarctic Hair Grass?
Deschampsia antarctica 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 Antarctic Hair Grass Need?
Antarctic Hair Grass thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Antarctic Hair Grass Prefer?
Deschampsia antarctica grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Antarctic Hair Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Antarctic Hair Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Antarctic Hair Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Antarctic Hair Grass?
Feed Antarctic Hair 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 Antarctic Hair Grass?
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 Antarctic Hair Grass?
Antarctic Hair Grass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tufted hair grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Antarctic Hair Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Antarctic Hair 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 Antarctic Hair Grass?
Antarctic Hair Grass 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 Antarctic Hair Grass Need?
Antarctic Hair Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Antarctic Hair Grass is native to Antarctica, the other being Colobanthus quitensis. In cooler regions, grow Antarctic Hair Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Antarctic Hair 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 Deschampsia genus — compare its care with other Deschampsia species on PlantoScan.
Deschampsia is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Antarctic Hair Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Deschampsia Species
Other Deschampsia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Deschampsia antarctica É.Desv., family Poaceae (first published in Fl. Chil. 6: 338 (1854)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Antarctic Hair 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: Erasmo Macaya Horta, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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