Phalaris paradoxa Plant Care
Phalaris paradoxa L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phalaris paradoxa is a species of grass in genus Phalaris. Common names include awned canary-grass and hood canarygrass.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Phalaris paradoxa?
Water Phalaris paradoxa 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 paradoxa?
Phalaris paradoxa (Phalaris paradoxa) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Phalaris genus.
Phalaris paradoxa displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Phalaris paradoxa produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Phalaris paradoxa?
Phalaris paradoxa 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 paradoxa Need?
Phalaris paradoxa thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Phalaris paradoxa Prefer?
Phalaris paradoxa grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Phalaris paradoxa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Phalaris paradoxa?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Phalaris paradoxa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Phalaris paradoxa?
Feed Phalaris paradoxa 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 paradoxa?
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 paradoxa?
Phalaris paradoxa can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to littleseed canarygrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Phalaris paradoxa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Phalaris paradoxa, 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 paradoxa?
Phalaris paradoxa 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 paradoxa Need?
Phalaris paradoxa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Phalaris paradoxa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Phalaris paradoxa 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 paradoxa 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 paradoxa L., family Poaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. ed. 2 : 1665 (1763)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Phalaris paradoxa, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Phalaris paradoxa 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