Squarestem Spikerush Plant Care
Eleocharis quadrangulata (Michx.) Roem. & Schult.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eleocharis quadrangulata is a species of spikesedge known by the common names square-stem spikerush and four-angled spikerush. It is native to eastern and central North America, with additional populations in California, Oregon, and west-central Mexico.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Squarestem Spikerush?
Water Squarestem Spikerush every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Squarestem Spikerush Native To?
What Is the Squarestem Spikerush?
Squarestem Spikerush (Eleocharis quadrangulata) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Eleocharis genus. Squarestem Spikerush is native to eastern and central North America, with additional populations in California, Oregon, and west-central Mexico. Squarestem Spikerush is also known as Four-angled Spikerush.
Squarestem Spikerush displays a grass-like, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Squarestem Spikerush produces inconspicuous small brown spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Squarestem Spikerush?
Eleocharis quadrangulata requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Squarestem Spikerush Need?
Squarestem Spikerush thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Squarestem Spikerush Prefer?
Eleocharis quadrangulata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Squarestem Spikerush prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Squarestem Spikerush?
Soggy, nutrient-rich soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Squarestem Spikerush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Squarestem Spikerush?
Feed Squarestem Spikerush 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 Squarestem Spikerush?
Divide and 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 Squarestem Spikerush?
Squarestem Spikerush can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple spikerush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Squarestem Spikerush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Squarestem Spikerush, 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 Squarestem Spikerush?
Squarestem Spikerush is susceptible to aphids, 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 Squarestem Spikerush Need?
Squarestem Spikerush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Squarestem Spikerush is native to eastern and central North America, with additional populations in California, Oregon, and west-central Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Squarestem Spikerush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Squarestem Spikerush 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 Eleocharis genus — compare its care with other Eleocharis species on PlantoScan.
Eleocharis is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
Squarestem Spikerush thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eleocharis Species
Other Eleocharis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eleocharis quadrangulata (Michx.) Roem. & Schult., family Cyperaceae (first published in Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 2: 155 (1817)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Squarestem Spikerush, 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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