If you’re looking for a plant that brings instant gratification, look no further than Umbrella Grass (Cyperus). This plant is a total overachiever—it grows at a breathtaking pace, constantly pushing out new stalks whether it’s hanging out indoors or soaking up the sun outside. The secret to keeping it happy? It’s all about finding that sweet spot with plenty of light, warmth, and—most importantly—lots of water.
Hardy vs. Tropical Varieties
Before you pick a spot, you need to know which variety you have. Some types, like the Tall Flatsedge, are actually hardy enough to stay outside year-round in many climates. However, most of the Umbrella Grass we see comes from tropical or subtropical regions. These guys are perennials, but they can’t handle a frost. If you have a tropical variety, it’s best to keep it in a pot so you can easily bring it inside to overwinter.
A Serious Love for Water
If there’s one thing you should know about Umbrella Grass, it’s that it’s a total water hog. From its roots to its leafy “umbrella” top, this plant thrives on moisture. Ideally, it loves humidity levels above 60%. Unlike most houseplants, you never have to worry about overwatering—in fact, these plants love having “wet feet” and can sit in standing water without any risk of root rot.
Outdoors, they are the perfect addition to the edge of a pond. Indoors, try to avoid rooms with super dry air, which can lead to those annoying brown tips on the leaves.
- Steamy bathrooms and kitchens are perfect indoor spots.
- Hydroponics is a great way to keep the water levels consistent.
- Some smaller species even do great inside an aquarium!
Pro Tip: Keep the saucer or decorative planter filled with an inch or two of water at all times. On particularly hot days, your plant will also love a quick misting with a spray bottle.
Light and Warmth
Whether it’s in a pot on your patio or sitting in an aquarium, your Umbrella Grass needs plenty of light and warmth to stay vibrant.
- Skip the dark, shadowy corners—it won’t be happy there.
- It thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15-30°C).
- Full sun is perfectly fine!
- It can handle a bit of wind, too.
Just keep in mind: the sunnier the spot, the more water it’s going to drink. Also, if you keep it in a breezy area, don’t be surprised if a stalk snaps here and there—it’s just part of the deal.
Where to Keep it in the Winter
If you have a tropical variety spending the summer outdoors, you’ll need to move it inside once the thermometer starts dipping below 50°F (10°C). Find a bright spot that stays between 60°F and 65°F (15-18°C)—a guest bedroom or a bright hallway usually works great. A basement is usually a bad idea since it’s often too dark and chilly. You can move it back outside in the spring once the night temperatures stay consistently above 50°F.
Even if you keep your Umbrella Grass as a houseplant year-round, it will appreciate moving to a slightly cooler (but still bright) spot for a little winter “nap.”
