Hairy Hook Sedge Plant Care
Uncinia scabra Colenso ex Boott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Carex healyi, the harsh-leaved bastard grass, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cyperaceae, native to New Zealand. Found in a wide variety of habitats but preferring semi-shade, its chromosome number is 2n = 88.
Every 3–5 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Hook Sedge?
Water Hairy Hook Sedge every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hairy Hook Sedge Native To?
What Is the Hairy Hook Sedge?
Hairy Hook Sedge (Uncinia scabra) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Uncinia genus. Hairy Hook Sedge is native to New Zealand.
Hairy Hook Sedge displays a clumping grass-like growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hairy Hook Sedge produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Hook Sedge?
Uncinia scabra requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hairy Hook Sedge Need?
Hairy Hook Sedge thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Hairy Hook Sedge in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Hook Sedge Prefer?
Uncinia scabra grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Hairy Hook Sedge prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Hook Sedge?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Hook Sedge to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Hook Sedge?
Feed Hairy Hook Sedge 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 Hairy Hook Sedge?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Hairy Hook Sedge?
Hairy Hook Sedge can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to club hook sedge plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairy Hook Sedge Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Hook Sedge, 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 Hairy Hook Sedge?
Hairy Hook Sedge is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Hairy Hook Sedge Need?
Hairy Hook Sedge grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Hairy Hook Sedge is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Hook Sedge 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 Uncinia genus — compare its care with other Uncinia species on PlantoScan.
Uncinia is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
Hairy Hook Sedge copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Uncinia scabra Colenso ex Boott, family Cyperaceae (first published in Fl. Nov.-Zel. 1: 285 (1853)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Hook Sedge, 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 8a – 10b, 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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