If you’re a plant lover, you’ve probably noticed that Umbrella Grass (Cyperus) absolutely lives for the summer. When the sun is out, this plant grows like crazy, showing off just how much it loves the heat. But as winter rolls around, those sunny vibes disappear, replaced by frost and snow. So, how does this water-loving beauty handle the big chill?
Different Varieties from Near and Far
The Umbrella Grass family is huge, boasting over 600 different species. Not all of them are meant for your garden or living room, though. The most popular varieties usually come from tropical or subtropical regions, meaning they have to adapt to our cooler climates. On the flip side, there are some hardy native varieties built for the cold. Before you figure out how to overwinter your plant, you first need to know where its ancestors came from.
Tropical Travelers
Umbrella Grass varieties from tropical zones love spending their summers vacationing on your patio. But come winter? They need to be indoors. These plants are pretty sensitive—they can’t even handle temperatures in the low 40s, let alone a hard frost. Since these are perennials, you definitely don’t want to let the cold claim them.
- Bring them inside as soon as the thermometer dips below 50°F (10°C).
- Give them a bright spot to overwinter at temperatures between 60°F and 65°F.
- A cool bedroom or a bright hallway is usually the perfect spot.
Pro Tip:
Cats find Umbrella Grass irresistible and love to nibble on it. Even though the plant isn’t toxic, you should keep it out of reach of your furry friends. The leaves can be quite sharp and may cause serious, or even fatal, internal injuries if swallowed.
Winter Care Indoors
Before you move your plant to its winter quarters, give it a little trim. Remove any withered stems and cut back the rest. Since the plant goes into a resting phase, you can stop fertilizing for the season. However, its love for water doesn’t take a vacation! Keep the roots moist and give the leaves a regular misting to keep the humidity up.
Pro Tip:
Keep a close eye out for brown tips on the leaves. This can sometimes be a sign of pests, which you’ll want to treat right away to keep your plant healthy.
Hardy Native Varieties
The “Long Galingale” (Cyperus longus) is a popular choice for garden ponds. This variety is much tougher and knows how to handle a freeze. It can easily tolerate temperatures down to 10°F, and if it’s in a sheltered location, it can even survive a dip down to 0°F.
Umbrella Grass as a Houseplant
If you keep your Umbrella Grass as a houseplant year-round, you don’t have to worry about frost resistance. However, even indoor plants appreciate a little “winter break” in a slightly cooler room to recharge for the next growing season.
