Southern Cattail

typha domingensis

Also known as: ["Cattail","Common Cattail","Broadleaf Cattail"]

Family: Typhaceae Genus: Typha Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A tall, aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant with distinctive brown, cigar-shaped flowering spikes and long, strap-like leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Typhales
Family: Typhaceae
Genus: Typha
Botanical Name: Typha domingensis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: Wetland edges, shallow water gardens, or containers in standing water
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–11"}
  • Misting: Not required
  • Drainage: Moderate drainage; prefers moist but not waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with high organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but may become less vigorous.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a houseplant.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade

Full sun is best; avoid deep shade; rotate plants for even light exposure.

Watering

Consistently moist to saturated, daily in dry conditions

Maintain high soil moisture; avoid letting soil dry out completely; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Soil

Silty or clay loam, rich in organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Keep soil consistently moist; amend with organic matter; ensure partial drainage.

Temperature

Thrives in warm to hot conditions (20–30°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable temperatures above 10°C.

Protect from frost; maintain warmth in winter; avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizing

Rarely required, annually in spring if growth is poor

Fertilize sparingly; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone (if used).
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain moisture and humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Moist, well-draining soil mix (e.g., peat-based with perlite).

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may form in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, moist soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, vigorous stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back dead stems at the base; thin overcrowded growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; cut dead/damaged stems; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Allow excess water to drain away. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing surface evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth. Water deeply 2–3 times per week in summer, reducing frequency in winter to prevent waterlogging.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss to enhance moisture retention; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves in cold stress; stunted growth in heat stress; browning leaf tips.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones; mulch heavily; move containers indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.

Hot Stress

Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch; reduced vigor; potential for heat-induced dormancy.

Solution: Ensure consistent moisture; provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Typha domingensis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen or iron, water stress, or infestation by pests such as aphids or spider mites, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Typha domingensis can result from water stress, either due to drought conditions or waterlogging, which impairs root function and water transport, leading to reduced turgor pressure in plant tissues.

Leaf spots on Typha domingensis may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic capacity and, in severe cases, lead to leaf necrosis and premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Typha domingensis is often caused by fungal pathogens like Pythium or Fusarium in waterlogged soils, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Typha domingensis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is unlikely to cause significant harm if ingested, though large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Monitor pets if they consume large amounts of the plant, but it is generally safe in small quantities.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Typha domingensis is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is unlikely to cause significant harm if ingested, though large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Monitor pets if they consume large amounts of the plant, but it is generally safe in small quantities.
Humans
Non-toxic

Typha domingensis, commonly known as southern cattail, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of raw or improperly prepared parts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of indigestible fibers and starches. The rhizomes and seeds are edible when cooked, providing a source of carbohydrates.

⚠️ Symptoms:
mild stomach discomfort bloating diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds rhizomes
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten raw or improperly prepared

Ensure thorough cooking of rhizomes and seeds to avoid digestive issues. Avoid consumption of any part in large quantities without proper preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Typha domingensis toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this plant require a lot of maintenance?

A: No, it has low maintenance needs.

Q: Can Typha domingensis grow in water?

A: Yes, it thrives in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments.

Quick Reference
Family: Typhaceae
Care: easy
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Consistently moist to saturate
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Narrowleaf Cattail
View
Narrowleaf Bur-reed
View
Eurasian Bur-reed
View
Common Cattail
View