Photo: portioidCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Kangaroo Grass Plant Care
Themeda arguens Hack.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its slender, arching stems bearing striking orange-brown inflorescences, this grass species hails from the grasslands of Australia and Africa. Plant enthusiasts are drawn to Themeda arguens for its unique and attractive aesthetic, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kangaroo Grass?
Water Kangaroo Grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. 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 Kangaroo Grass Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Bhutan
- Cayman Islands
- China
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- India
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Maldives
- Martinique
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Kangaroo Grass?
Kangaroo Grass (Themeda arguens) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Themeda genus. Kangaroo Grass is native to South Asia, Eastern Asia, Australia, India, the south-western Pacific and the Caribbean.
Kangaroo Grass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Kangaroo Grass produces tall, feathery flower spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kangaroo Grass?
Themeda arguens requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kangaroo Grass Need?
Kangaroo Grass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kangaroo Grass Prefer?
Themeda arguens grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Kangaroo Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kangaroo Grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Kangaroo Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kangaroo Grass?
Feed Kangaroo 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 Kangaroo Grass?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years. 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 Kangaroo Grass?
Kangaroo Grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to grassy windmill grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kangaroo Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kangaroo 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 Kangaroo Grass?
Kangaroo Grass 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 Kangaroo Grass Need?
Kangaroo Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Kangaroo Grass is native to South Asia, Eastern Asia, Australia, India, the south-western Pacific and the Caribbean. In cooler regions, grow Kangaroo Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Kangaroo 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 Themeda genus — compare its care with other Themeda species on PlantoScan.
Themeda is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Kangaroo 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: Themeda arguens Hack., family Poaceae (first published in Monogr. Phan. [A.DC. & C.DC.] 6: 657. 1889 [Apr 1889]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kangaroo 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.
- Photo: portioid, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, 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.
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