Black Spear Grass

Also known as

Black Speargrass, tanglehead grass, tanglehead, bunch speargrass, bunched spear grass, twisted beardgrass, black speargrass, tanglehead, steekgras and pili

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Heteropogon contortus

Genus

Heteropogon

Family

Poaceae

Order

Poales

How to care for Black Spear Grass

💦 Water

How often to water your Black Spear Grass

Black Spear Grass needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Black Spear Grass in your home

Black Spear Grass love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Black Spear Grass does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Black Spear Grass in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Black Spear Grass

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Black Spear Grass: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Black Spear Grass after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Black Spear Grass prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Black Spear Grass requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Black Spear Grass is a clumping plant, meaning new growth will emerge from the soil around the parent plant.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.