Phalaris lemmonii Plant Care
Phalaris lemmonii Vasey
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phalaris lemmonii is an uncommon species of grass known by the common name Lemmon's canarygrass. It is endemic to California, where it can be found in coastal and inland mountain ranges and the Central Valley.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Phalaris lemmonii?
Water Phalaris lemmonii every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Phalaris lemmonii?
Phalaris lemmonii (Phalaris lemmonii) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Phalaris genus. Phalaris lemmonii is native to coastal and inland mountain ranges and the Central Valley.
Phalaris lemmonii displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Phalaris lemmonii produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Phalaris lemmonii?
Phalaris lemmonii requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Phalaris lemmonii Need?
Phalaris lemmonii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Phalaris lemmonii Prefer?
Phalaris lemmonii grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Phalaris lemmonii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Phalaris lemmonii?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Phalaris lemmonii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Phalaris lemmonii?
Feed Phalaris lemmonii 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 Phalaris lemmonii?
Divide and repot 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 Phalaris lemmonii?
Phalaris lemmonii can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to littleseed canarygrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Phalaris lemmonii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Phalaris lemmonii, 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 Phalaris lemmonii?
Phalaris lemmonii 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 Phalaris lemmonii Need?
Phalaris lemmonii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Phalaris lemmonii is native to coastal and inland mountain ranges and the Central Valley. In cooler regions, grow Phalaris lemmonii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Phalaris lemmonii 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 Phalaris genus — compare its care with other Phalaris species on PlantoScan.
Phalaris is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Phalaris lemmonii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Phalaris Species
Other Phalaris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phalaris lemmonii Vasey, family Poaceae (first published in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 3: 42 (1892)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Phalaris lemmonii, 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 13a, 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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