Photo: LyraeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Ravenna grass Plant Care
Tripidium ravennae (L.) H.Scholz
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its long, arching fronds that resemble feathers, this plant originating from Madagascar is a true standout in any collection. Plant collectors are drawn to Tripidium ravennae for its unique and exotic appearance that adds a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor space.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ravenna grass?
Water Ravenna grass every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ravenna grass Native To?
What Is the Ravenna grass?
Ravenna grass (Tripidium ravennae) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Tripidium genus. Ravenna grass is native to Southern Europe, Western Asia and South Asia. Ravenna grass is also known as Hardy pampas grass, Giant reed.
Ravenna grass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ravenna grass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ravenna grass?
Tripidium ravennae requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ravenna grass Need?
Ravenna grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ravenna grass Prefer?
Tripidium ravennae grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Ravenna grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ravenna grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Ravenna grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ravenna grass?
Feed Ravenna grass 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 Ravenna grass?
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 Ravenna grass?
Ravenna grass can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to khasia cane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ravenna grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ravenna 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 Ravenna grass?
Ravenna 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 Ravenna grass Need?
Ravenna grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Ravenna grass is native to Southern Europe, Western Asia and South Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Ravenna 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 Tripidium genus — compare its care with other Tripidium species on PlantoScan.
Tripidium is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Ravenna 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: Tripidium ravennae (L.) H.Scholz, family Poaceae (first published in Willdenowia 36: 664 (2006)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ravenna 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: Lyrae, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, 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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