Mediterranean Grass Plant Care
Rostraria cristata (L.) Tzvelev
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rostraria cristata, the Mediterranean hairgrass, is an annual grass species which is native to Eurasia and widely naturalised throughout central and eastern Australia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mediterranean Grass?
Water Mediterranean Grass every 7–10 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 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mediterranean Grass Native To?
What Is the Mediterranean Grass?
Mediterranean Grass (Rostraria cristata) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Rostraria genus. Mediterranean Grass is native to Eurasia and widely naturalised throughout central and eastern Australia. Mediterranean Grass is also known as Crested Hair Grass.
Mediterranean Grass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Mediterranean Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mediterranean Grass?
Rostraria cristata requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mediterranean Grass Need?
Mediterranean Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mediterranean Grass Prefer?
Rostraria cristata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Mediterranean Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mediterranean Grass?
Well-draining sandy loam soil. Good drainage is essential for Mediterranean Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mediterranean Grass?
Feed Mediterranean Grass 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 Mediterranean Grass?
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 Mediterranean Grass?
Mediterranean Grass can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Mediterranean Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Grass, 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 Mediterranean Grass?
Mediterranean Grass 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 Mediterranean Grass Need?
Mediterranean Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mediterranean Grass is native to Eurasia and widely naturalised throughout central and eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Mediterranean Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Mediterranean Grass 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 Rostraria genus — compare its care with other Rostraria species on PlantoScan.
Rostraria is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Mediterranean Grass 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: Rostraria cristata (L.) Tzvelev, family Poaceae (first published in Novosti Sist. Vyssh. Rast. 7: 47 (1970 publ. 1971)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Grass, 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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