Miltianthus portulacoides Plant Care

Miltianthus portulacoides (Miltianthus portulacoides) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family within the Miltianthus genus. Miltianthus portulacoides is native to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in central Asia.

Miltianthus portulacoides displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Miltianthus portulacoides produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Miltianthus portulacoides 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.

Miltianthus portulacoides thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Miltianthus portulacoides tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Miltianthus portulacoides prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Miltianthus portulacoides every 6 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 partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Miltianthus portulacoides is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Miltianthus portulacoides can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Miltianthus portulacoides 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.

Miltianthus portulacoides is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Miltianthus portulacoides can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Miltianthus portulacoides is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Miltianthus portulacoides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Miltianthus portulacoides is native to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in central Asia. In cooler regions, grow Miltianthus portulacoides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.