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Plant Profiles / Lomandra 'Tanika'
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Lomandra 'Tanika'
Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika' · Mat rush
A fine-leaved, compact Australian native grass-like plant with soft, weeping foliage. Almost indestructible in pots and gardens.
Sun to part shadeLight
Weekly in potsWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Adaptable.
Water
Weekly in pots
DryWet
Very drought tolerant once established.
Humidity
Adaptable
LowHigh
Handles coastal conditions.
Temperature
-8–40°C (18–104°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy to frost and heat.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Grows 60 cm tall and wide.
Soil
Adaptable
LeanRich
Most soils.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Native fertiliser in spring.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Lomandra is native to eastern Australia. 'Tanika' is a compact, fine-leaved selection that's tolerant of drought, frost, wind and shade. It's a staple of low-maintenance landscaping and balcony troughs.
Best spots
Balcony troughs, borders, mass plantings, rooftops and coastal gardens.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika' |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Origin | Eastern Australia |
| Plant type | Evergreen grass-like perennial |
| Mature size | 60 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Fine, weeping green leaves |
| Flowers | Small, fragrant cream spikes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Cut back
Fertilise
Active growthCut backFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Brown tips | Normal ageing. |
| Untidy clump | Cut back hard in late winter. |
| Rot | Waterlogged soil. |
| Slow growth | Too much shade. |
| Yellowing | Poor drainage. |
Common questions
Can I cut it back?
Yes, to 15 cm in late winter.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Is it good for pots?
Excellent.
Does it handle wind?
Yes.
