Tall Spikerush Plant Care
Eleocharis sphacelata R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eleocharis sphacelata, commonly known as tall spikerush, is a sedge of the family Cyperaceae that is native to Australia and New Zealand.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tall Spikerush?
Water Tall 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 Tall Spikerush Native To?
What Is the Tall Spikerush?
Tall Spikerush (Eleocharis sphacelata) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Eleocharis genus. Tall Spikerush is native to Australia and New Zealand. Tall Spikerush is also known as Tall Spike-rush.
Tall Spikerush displays a grass-like, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Tall Spikerush produces inconspicuous small brown spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tall Spikerush?
Eleocharis sphacelata 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 Tall Spikerush Need?
Tall Spikerush thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tall Spikerush Prefer?
Eleocharis sphacelata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tall 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 Tall Spikerush?
Soggy, nutrient-rich soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Tall Spikerush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tall Spikerush?
Feed Tall 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 Tall 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 Tall Spikerush?
Tall Spikerush can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple spikerush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tall Spikerush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tall 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 Tall Spikerush?
Tall 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 Tall Spikerush Need?
Tall Spikerush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Tall Spikerush is native to Australia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Tall Spikerush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Tall 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 (family Cyperaceae) — search all Eleocharis species in the plant lookup.
Tall 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 sphacelata R.Br., family Cyperaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 224 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tall 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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