Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Softstem Bulrush) Care Guide
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani is a tall reed-like sedge for pond margins and paludariums that tolerates fresh and brackish water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, known as softstem bulrush or great bulrush, is a perennial sedge of the family Cyperaceae. It produces dense stands of narrow, erect, cylindrical green stems and is used in marginal pond plantings and paludariums. It tolerates a wide range of salinity, and reportedly grows better in brackish water than in fresh water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Genus: Schoenoplectus
- Scientific name: Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
- Common names: Softstem Bulrush, Great Bulrush, Grey Club-rush
Habitat
The species has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring across Europe, temperate Asia, North America and much of Australasia, and more sparsely in Africa and South America. It grows in wet ground and shallow water, and is most abundant in brackish and tidal estuarine water while also occurring widely in fresh water. It withstands permanent inundation in up to roughly 30 cm of water.
Appearance
It forms many narrow erect stems that are circular in cross-section, distinguishing it from related sedges with triangular stems. Wild plants typically reach 1–1.5 m, occasionally up to 3 m. Leaves are mostly basal with wide sheaths. Flowering occurs in early to mid summer, with fruiting in late summer.
Tank requirements
- Water type: freshwater to brackish
- Temperature: 8–28 °C (46–82 °F)
- pH: 6.5–8.5
- GH: 6–22 °dGH
- Lighting: high (full sun to light shade)
- CO2: not required
- Growth: fast; maximum height around 200 cm
- Placement: background / marginal, emersed
It is an emergent marginal plant: roots and stem bases sit in saturated substrate or shallow water while the stems rise above the surface. It needs little maintenance; old stems can be cut back in late winter or early spring, and the spreading rhizome may be thinned to keep stands contained.
Propagation
Propagation is by the spreading underground rhizome and by division of established clumps. The rhizome system allows the plant to form dense colonies, so it is usually grown in a contained planting where vigorous spread is undesirable.
Propagating Softstem Bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani)
Overview
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, the softstem bulrush, is a perennial sedge that produces dense stands of many narrow, erect stems reaching 1 to 1.5 meters tall. The stems are circular in cross-section with a chambered pith, and the leaves are mostly basal and usually underwater. It grows from a long rhizome system and flowers in early to mid summer.
Propagation Method
Softstem bulrush reproduces through its extensive underground rhizome network, so rhizome division is the primary and easiest propagation method. Lift an established stand and split the long rhizome into rooted sections, each with its own stems. It can also be grown from seed, as the plant fruits in late summer through early autumn.
Step-by-Step
- Lift a section of an established stand together with its long rhizome and roots.
- Wash away loose substrate to expose the rhizome and the points where stems emerge.
- Cut the rhizome into divisions, each bearing roots and at least a few healthy stems.
- Replant each division into wet substrate at the pond margin or paludarium waterline, anchoring the rhizome.
- Keep the base saturated and the substrate constantly wet while roots re-establish.
- For seed, collect ripe fruit in late summer and sow onto moist substrate, keeping it wet until germination.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
This is a cosmopolitan, undemanding species suited to beginners. It tolerates a wide temperature span of roughly 8-28 degrees Celsius and a pH from about 6.5 to 8.5, and it copes well with brackish conditions. Give it bright light and a permanently wet substrate; its fast growth is supported by moderate nutrient levels.
Maintenance
Because it is fast-growing and can reach 1.5 meters, expect vigorous spread from the rhizome. Thin the stand regularly, remove old or damaged stems, and divide the rhizome when clumps become congested to keep the planting tidy and to produce new plants.