Tropical Mat-rush Plant Care

Tropical Mat-rush (Lomandra tropica) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Lomandra genus. Tropical Mat-rush is native to northern Australia, in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tropical 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.

Tropical Mat-rush thrives in full sun to part shade.

Lomandra tropica tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Tropical Mat-rush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Tropical 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.

Tropical 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.

Tropical 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 Tropical 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.

Tropical 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.

Tropical 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.

Tropical 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.

Tropical Mat-rush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tropical Mat-rush is native to northern Australia, in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. In cooler regions, grow Tropical Mat-rush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.