Australia is home to a wide variety of grass trees, which are also known as Xanthorrhoea. These striking and unique plants are often grown in gardens and landscapes, but they can also be grown at home. Whether you have a large yard or a small balcony, there are several types of grass trees that you can grow at home. While there are various varieties of grass trees in the country, you might be confused about which one to choose at plant nurseries. In order to help you with that, we have collected information regarding different types and how to care for them. This post will shed some light on this whole. Keep reading!
Types of Grass Trees
Xanthorrhoea Preissii
Western Australia is home to the grass tree known as the sandpaper tree. While it grows slowly, this tree may eventually reach a height of six metres. Narrow and up to a metre in length, the leaves are a striking feature of this plant. This grass tree has long, narrow, white blooms.
Xanthorrhoea Johnsonii
This grass tree grows to a maximum height of four metres and is endemic to Western Australia’s coastal regions. Its dark green leaves may go up to a metre in length and are long and thin. It boasts pink or crimson spikes of flowers.
Xanthorrhoea Glauca
This grass tree is indigenous to the sandy coastal regions of eastern Australia. It has long, slender, bluish-green leaves and may reach a height of six metres in its natural habitat. Tall spikes of white, fluffy blooms top the plant.
Xanthorrhoea Quadrangulata
Growing to a height of six metres, this grass tree is a common sight along the coast of New South Wales. Its dark green, elongated leaves may reach lengths of up to a metre. The tall spikes of the plant are topped with creamy white blooms.
Xanthorrhoea Minor
Found along the coast of Western Australia, this grass tree may grow to a height of two metres. It grows to lengths of half a metre and has dark green, thin leaves. Creamy white in colour, the blooms of this tree are carried aloft on sturdy spikes.
Care Tips for Grass Trees
- Black boy plant or grass tree prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to plant this tree in a pot with a good quality potting mix that is specifically designed for succulents and cacti.
- These trees are drought-tolerant plants and do not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and make sure to not overwater as this can lead to root rot.
- Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer, such as a cactus or succulent fertilizer, during the growing season (spring and summer). Fertilize sparingly, as grass trees are slow-growing plants and do not require a lot of nutrients.
- They love bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near a window that gets plenty of light, but avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
- Grass trees are hardy plants that can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they prefer warm environments. Avoid exposing them to extreme cold or hot temperatures.
- Prune dead or damaged leaves as needed. Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- Grass trees are relatively pest and disease-free, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Keep a watch out for infestation indications, and if you find any, act fast using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- These trees do not require frequent repotting, but they may need to be repotted every few years. Use a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and be gentle when handling the plant as their roots can be quite sensitive.
The Bottom Line
There are several types of grass trees that can be grown at home in Australia, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you choose a tall and slender or a shorter Xanthorrhoea from plant nurseries, they are sure to add beauty and interest to your home landscape.
