Am I Taking Good Care Of My Kangaroo Paw Plant?

Did you planted your kangaroo paw in a place that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily?

Did you planted your kangaroo paw in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil?

Do you plan to overwinter your kangaroo paw indoors if you live in a region where temperatures can drop below 50 degrees F?

Do you allow the top couple inches of soil to dry out before watering?

Do you feed your kangaroo paw regularly?

Do you prune your kangaroo paw after its blooms have faded?

Do you keep your kangaroo paw plant free of pests and diseases?

Kangaroo paw plants prefer to grow in full sun. At least six hours of direct sunlight on most days will enable kangaroo paw plants to produce the best growth and blooms. They can even tolerate intense light from the hot afternoon sun. Insufficient light can cause tall plants to flop over and lessen bloom production.

Kangaroo paw plants naturally grow in sandy soil with a slightly acidic soil pH. However, they can tolerate a variety of soil types, as long as there is good drainage. For container plants, use an all-purpose potting mix amended with a few handfuls of sand.

Kangaroo paw plants thrive in the heat, and frost can be fatal to them. They like temperatures between roughly 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And once the temperature falls below 50 degrees it's time to bring them inside. They also naturally thrive in dry conditions but can tolerate some humidity, too.

Kangaroo paw plants prefer a moderate amount of soil moisture, though they have some drought tolerance. Soggy soil can cause root rot and kill the plants. So wait until the top couple inches of soil are dry to the touch before watering.

Kangaroo paw plants aren't heavy feeders, so regular fertilizer isn't necessary. In the spring before the flower stalks appear, add a cup or two of compost to the soil to promote healthy growth.

Kangaroo paw plants respond well to heavy pruning. Cut back the plants to 6 inches above the soil line after the blooms have faded. This will prevent old foliage from becoming diseased and promote denser growth.

Good job! You are taking good care of your kangaroo paw plant.

Although these plants have no serious problems with pests or diseases, watch your kangaroo paw plant for signs of ink spot disease. The fungus manifests itself as the blackening of the leaves and stems. Remove diseased foliage, and aim to prevent the fungus by keeping plants in full sun with good air circulation and well-draining soil.