Spiny-headed Mat-rush Plant Care

Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Lomandra genus. Spiny-headed Mat-rush is also known as Mat Rush, Water Mat Rush.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush displays a grass-like clumping growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spiny-headed Mat-rush produces small yellow blooms on tall spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spiny-headed Mat-rush every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush thrives in full sun to part shade.

Lomandra longifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Spiny-headed Mat-rush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spiny-headed Mat-rush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spiny-headed Mat-rush every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Spiny-headed Mat-rush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mat rush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush 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.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Spiny-headed Mat-rush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Spiny-headed Mat-rush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.