Elephant grass Plant Care

Elephant grass (Typha elephantina) belongs to the Typhaceae family within the Typha genus. Elephant grass is also known as Elephant cattail.

Elephant grass displays a tall, emergent aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Elephant grass produces distinctive brown, cylindrical flower spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Elephant grass every 1–3 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Elephant grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Typha elephantina tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Elephant grass prefers humidity levels of 70–100%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, moist soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Elephant grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, moist soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Elephant grass is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Elephant grass can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Elephant grass while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Elephant grass is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Elephant grass can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seed dispersal. Similar propagation techniques also apply to broadleaf cattail plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Elephant 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.

Elephant grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Elephant grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.