Southern Gamagrass Plant Care
Tripsacum australe H.C.Cutler & E.S.Anderson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its distinct silver-blue foliage, this plant originates from South America and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique color and texture. Its striking leaves add a pop of color to any garden or landscape, making it a coveted addition for those looking to diversify their plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Southern Gamagrass?
Water Southern Gamagrass 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 Southern Gamagrass Native To?
What Is the Southern Gamagrass?
Southern Gamagrass (Tripsacum australe) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Tripsacum genus. Southern Gamagrass is native to South America. Southern Gamagrass is also known as Southern Tripsacum.
Southern Gamagrass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Southern Gamagrass produces inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Southern Gamagrass?
Tripsacum australe 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 Southern Gamagrass Need?
Southern Gamagrass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Southern Gamagrass Prefer?
Tripsacum australe grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Southern Gamagrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Southern Gamagrass?
Moist, fertile, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Southern Gamagrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Southern Gamagrass?
Feed Southern Gamagrass 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 Southern Gamagrass?
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 Southern Gamagrass?
Southern Gamagrass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eastern gamagrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Southern Gamagrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Southern Gamagrass, 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 Southern Gamagrass?
Southern Gamagrass is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, 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 Southern Gamagrass Need?
Southern Gamagrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Southern Gamagrass is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Southern Gamagrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Southern Gamagrass 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 Tripsacum genus — compare its care with other Tripsacum species on PlantoScan.
Tripsacum is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Southern Gamagrass 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: Tripsacum australe H.C.Cutler & E.S.Anderson, family Poaceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 28: 259 (1941)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Southern Gamagrass, 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
Southern Gamagrass 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