You can practically watch Umbrella Grass grow! It shoots out new stems from the base so fast that it’s no surprise these plants constantly outgrow their pots. When things get a little too snug, your plant needs a new “root home” filled with fresh soil. But when is the best time to make the move, and how do you go about it?
When to Repot Your Umbrella Grass
Since Umbrella Grass is such a fast grower, I recommend repotting it every single year. If you’re not sure if your plant is feeling cramped, take a peek at the bottom of the pot. If you see roots poking out of the drainage holes, a new pot is way overdue! At the very least, you shouldn’t let more than two years go by without a refresh.
The perfect time to repot is in March, right before the new growing season kicks into high gear. This goes for indoor plants as well as non-hardy varieties that have just finished overwintering inside.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
When picking out a new home, go for a pot that’s about 2 inches (5 cm) wider in diameter than the old one. Most plants hate “wet feet,” but Umbrella Grass is the exception—it loves to stay soaked! Because of this, terracotta or clay pots are fantastic choices since they absorb and hold onto moisture. As for the soil, look for a mix that is:
- Heavy and dense (not too airy)
- Rich in nutrients
- Slightly acidic (pH between 5 and 6.5)
You can also grow Umbrella Grass hydroponically. Expanded clay pebbles, small stones, or sand work great for this, especially when paired with a bit of liquid fertilizer. For a really cool look, try placing the plant in a glass vessel so you can see the setup!
Quick Tip:
If your plant has outgrown a favorite pot but you’re not ready to give up that specific container, don’t worry! You can easily divide the root ball. It’s a great way to keep the size in check while propagating new baby plants at the same time.
Other Ways to Grow
Because it’s such a moisture-lover, Umbrella Grass is a popular choice for aquariums. It grows incredibly fast in water, but you won’t really “repot” it in the traditional sense. Instead, you’ll just need to keep up with pruning so it doesn’t take over the entire tank.
If you’re growing Tall Umbrella Grass (a hardy variety) as a pond plant, you’re in luck—you can skip the repotting chores entirely and let nature do its thing!
