Broad-leaved Grass-tree Plant Care
Xanthorrhoea latifolia (A.T.Lee) D.J.Bedford
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Xanthorrhoea latifolia is a species of grasstree of the genus Xanthorrhoea native to New South Wales and Queensland.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Broad-leaved Grass-tree?
Water Broad-leaved Grass-tree every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 30–60% humidity.
Where Is the Broad-leaved Grass-tree Native To?
What Is the Broad-leaved Grass-tree?
Broad-leaved Grass-tree (Xanthorrhoea latifolia) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Xanthorrhoea genus. Broad-leaved Grass-tree is native to New South Wales and Queensland. Broad-leaved Grass-tree is also known as Balga, Blackboy.
Broad-leaved Grass-tree displays a slow-growing, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Broad-leaved Grass-tree produces tall spikes of creamy white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Broad-leaved Grass-tree?
Xanthorrhoea latifolia requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Broad-leaved Grass-tree Need?
Broad-leaved Grass-tree thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Broad-leaved Grass-tree Prefer?
Xanthorrhoea latifolia grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Broad-leaved Grass-tree prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Broad-leaved Grass-tree?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with low organic content. Good drainage is essential for Broad-leaved Grass-tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Broad-leaved Grass-tree?
Repot every 3-5 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 Broad-leaved Grass-tree?
Broad-leaved Grass-tree can be propagated through seeds, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to balga plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Broad-leaved Grass-tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Broad-leaved Grass-tree, 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 Broad-leaved Grass-tree?
Broad-leaved Grass-tree is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. 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 Broad-leaved Grass-tree Need?
Broad-leaved Grass-tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Broad-leaved Grass-tree is native to New South Wales and Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Broad-leaved Grass-tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Broad-leaved Grass-tree 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 Xanthorrhoea genus — compare its care with other Xanthorrhoea species on PlantoScan.
Xanthorrhoea is part of the Asphodelaceae plant family — browse all Asphodelaceae genera and species.
Broad-leaved Grass-tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Xanthorrhoea Species
Other Xanthorrhoea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Xanthorrhoea latifolia (A.T.Lee) D.J.Bedford, family Asphodelaceae (first published in Fl. Australia 46: 227 (1986)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Broad-leaved Grass-tree, 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 12a, 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.
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