Horsetail Plant Plant Care
Equisetum hyemale L.
Equisetum hyemale, commonly known as rough horsetail or scouring rush, is an evergreen perennial herbaceous pteridophyte in the horsetail family Equisetaceae native to Eurasia and Greenland. It was formerly widely treated in a broader sense including a subspecies in North America, but this is now treated as a separate species, Equisetum praealtum.
Every 3–7 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
What Is the Horsetail Plant?
Horsetail Plant (Equisetum hyemale) belongs to the Equisetaceae family within the Equisetum genus. Horsetail Plant is native to Eurasia and Greenland. Horsetail Plant is also known as Horsetail, Scouring Rush, Dutch Rush.
Horsetail Plant displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 3 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Horsetail Plant produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Horsetail Plant?
Equisetum hyemale requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Horsetail Plant Need?
Horsetail Plant thrives in partial to full shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Horsetail Plant 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 Horsetail Plant Prefer?
Equisetum hyemale grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. Horsetail Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Horsetail Plant?
Moist, sandy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Horsetail Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Horsetail Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years. 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 Horsetail Plant?
Horsetail Plant can be propagated through division, spores.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Horsetail Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Horsetail Plant?
Horsetail Plant is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Horsetail Plant Need?
Horsetail Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. Native to Eurasia and Greenland, Horsetail Plant is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Horsetail Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Horsetail Plant 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 Equisetum genus — compare its care with other Equisetum species on PlantoScan.
Horsetail Plant tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
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