Photo: scallionsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Jungle Rice Plant Care
Echinochloa colona (L.) Link
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, slender leaves have a distinctive purple tint, making it stand out in any garden. Originating from South Asia, Echinochloa colona is a popular choice among plant collectors for its unique coloration and ability to attract beneficial insects.
Every 2–3 days
Full sun
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Jungle Rice?
Water Jungle Rice every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Jungle Rice Native To?
What Is the Jungle Rice?
Jungle Rice (Echinochloa colona) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Echinochloa genus. Jungle Rice is native to tropical Asia. Jungle Rice is also known as Corriander Grass, Shama Grass, Awnless Barnyard Grass.
Jungle Rice displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Jungle Rice produces inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Jungle Rice?
Echinochloa colona requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Jungle Rice Need?
Jungle Rice thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Jungle Rice Prefer?
Echinochloa colona grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Jungle Rice prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Jungle Rice?
Moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Jungle Rice to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Jungle Rice?
Feed Jungle Rice every 6 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 6 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 Jungle Rice?
Does not require repotting. 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 Jungle Rice?
Jungle Rice can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to barnyard grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Jungle Rice Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Jungle Rice, 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 Jungle Rice?
Jungle Rice is susceptible to no common pests known. 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 Jungle Rice Need?
Jungle Rice grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Jungle Rice is native to tropical Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Jungle Rice 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 Echinochloa genus — compare its care with other Echinochloa species on PlantoScan.
Echinochloa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Jungle Rice thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Echinochloa Species
Other Echinochloa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, family Poaceae (first published in Hort. Berol. [Link] 2: 209. 1833 [Jul-Dec 1833]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Jungle Rice, 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.
- Photo: scallions, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Jungle Rice Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species