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Gardening in Oz

Grass Trees

21 years ago

Bought a grass tree yesterday, yippee save up few dollars and bought one just under 2 foot tall.

As i have always wanted one, I dont know much about them, should have researched first!!!

Bought it wrapped in plastic (no pot), yes it is tagged!!

What kinda soil can i plant it in? Any specific requirements? I have just put in a large plastic pot with a bit of soil until I plant it out in the yard?

How often do u cut back the "leaves"?

Are they hardy plants ie. look after themselves, hard to kill?

Cheers

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Comments (4)

pos02
21 years ago
They can be very difficult to establish, but you will need to plant in quite sandy soil. Make sure it is well drained at least. Why don't you check out the native plants forum, as there has been much discussion about this a few months ago.
wollemia_TC
21 years ago
Yes, definitely needs a sandy mix - I would put one part of course sand to 2 parts of good quality potting mix and get a good sized pot (250 or 300mm)and get it well established in that before you even think of planting it out - there's no reason why you can't keep it in a pot for years. Water reasonably frequently but ensure good drainage. Be sparing with fertiliser - they grow naturally in the most unfertile soils.
Tony
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navy_blue
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for the replies. Just in a pot at the moment in soil, but only had wet soil as it has been raining !!!!!!
Just hope the soil is not to wat as i went to water the plant in and it stay on top, the soil was wet enough. Should the wet soil stress it out as it was sorrounded with quite hard and dry soil. Just that i will not be planting it in the yard for a while. As i spent a fair bit on it I want to make sure it survives !!
gardenlen
21 years ago
might be best to talk to a native plants specialist nursery i've been told by plant people a number of times that when taken from the wild they should be taken with some of the soil they are growing in as they create their own micorzoria or something for the conditions they need.

seen lots of these plants die, plants bought by gardeners in pots and even plants planted in botanical gardens before you know it all that is standing is a black trunk.

len

mail len

lens garden page

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