Plagiantha tenella Plant Care
Plagiantha tenella Renvoize
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Plagiantha is a genus of Brazilian plants in the grass family. The only known species is Plagiantha tenella, native to the state of Bahia in eastern Brazil.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Plagiantha tenella?
Water Plagiantha tenella every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Plagiantha tenella Native To?
What Is the Plagiantha tenella?
Plagiantha tenella (Plagiantha tenella) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Plagiantha genus. Plagiantha tenella is native to the state of Bahia in eastern Brazil.
Plagiantha tenella displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Plagiantha tenella produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Plagiantha tenella?
Plagiantha tenella requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Plagiantha tenella Need?
Plagiantha tenella thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Plagiantha tenella Prefer?
Plagiantha tenella grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Plagiantha tenella prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Plagiantha tenella?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Plagiantha tenella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Plagiantha tenella?
Feed Plagiantha tenella 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 Plagiantha tenella?
Repot every 1-2 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 Plagiantha tenella?
Plagiantha tenella can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Plagiantha tenella Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Plagiantha tenella, 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 Plagiantha tenella?
Plagiantha tenella 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 Plagiantha tenella Need?
Plagiantha tenella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Plagiantha tenella is native to the state of Bahia in eastern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Plagiantha tenella as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Plagiantha tenella 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 Plagiantha genus — compare its care with other Plagiantha species on PlantoScan.
Plagiantha is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Plagiantha tenella 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: Plagiantha tenella Renvoize, family Poaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 37: 323 (1982)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Plagiantha tenella, 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
Plagiantha tenella 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