Weeping Grass Plant Care
Microlaena stipoides R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Microlaena stipoides, synonym Ehrharta stipoides, is a species of grass. It occurs naturally in all states of Australia as well as in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Weeping Grass?
Water Weeping Grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Weeping Grass?
Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Microlaena genus. Weeping Grass is also known as Bushy Weeping Grass.
Weeping Grass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Weeping Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall stems.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Weeping Grass?
Microlaena stipoides requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Weeping Grass Need?
Weeping Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Weeping Grass Prefer?
Microlaena stipoides grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Weeping Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Weeping Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Weeping Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Weeping Grass?
Feed Weeping Grass every 8 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 8 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 Weeping Grass?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early 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 Weeping Grass?
Weeping Grass can be propagated through division, seed.
Is the Weeping Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Weeping Grass, 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 Weeping Grass?
Weeping Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. 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 Weeping Grass Need?
Weeping Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Weeping Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Weeping Grass 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 Microlaena genus — compare its care with other Microlaena species on PlantoScan.
Microlaena is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Weeping Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Microlaena stipoides R.Br., family Poaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 210 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Weeping Grass, 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 12a, 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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