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Kangaroo Paw plants are iconic Australian natives that add colour and texture to any garden. To keep them healthy and thriving, it's important to maintain them properly. We’re sharing expert tips on watering, fertilising, pruning, and dealing with common problems like rust and aphids, so you can enjoy beautiful blooms all year round.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost, and store products out of the reach of children and pets.
If you notice black spots on your Kangaroo Paw plant, it's likely a fungal disease called ink spot. This disease is characterised by black circular spots that form on the leaves and can kill the plant tissue. You can prevent ink spot disease by ensuring the plant receives good air flow and plenty of sun. Also, avoid watering the leaves in humid conditions.
To prevent ink spots from spreading, cut off any growth that is showing signs of the disease. You can cut all the way back to the stem, even if it seems like this might hurt the plant; it will actually encourage healthy growth in the long run.
After pruning, apply a high-quality fertiliser to encourage growth and help your plant become more resistant to future disease. You can also apply a fungicide to help treat the disease and prevent it from coming back. Apply the fungicide thoroughly to the remaining foliage, following the directions on the packaging. Consistent pruning and fertilising can help prevent ink spots from developing in the future.
Aphids are small insects that suck the juices from a plant. They can affect your Kangaroo Paw in the spring and autumn, especially during the early flowering period. An easy fix for aphids is a persistent spray of insecticidal soap. The damage done to the leaves doesn't disappear, so pruning back or removing the affected leaves is the best approach.
Kangaroo Paws can experience rotting of their roots or crown if they are overwatered or do not receive adequate drainage, sunlight and airflow. Remember that Kangaroo Paws love sunlight, so if your plant isn't getting enough sunlight or if the temperature is too cold, it's likely to start rotting. Adding sand, perlite, or other fast-draining material will improve the drainage of the soil, helping to avoid rot.
Kangaroo Paws flower in the spring. Optimum conditions for growth are adequate sun, water and soil drainage. Gradually increase water supply as the plant starts to get more sun after winter. Apply a fertiliser formulated for native plants at the beginning of spring to promote healthy growth and blooming.
This plant’s favourite season is summer. A hot summer will provide peak conditions for your Kangaroo Paw to bloom. As long as your plants are getting good sunlight and are regularly watered, they're likely to thrive. As the flowers fade towards the end of summer, don't be afraid to prune back to the base to extend the growing season and encourage more blooms.
When the temperature drops, your Kangaroo Paw will start to go dormant. This is the perfect time to prune them back heavily, as they will focus their energy on their roots during this time.
Once your plants have stopped flowering, you should prune them back, including all leaves and flower stalks, to approximately 15cm above the soil. This will promote dense and lush growth in future seasons, while simultaneously preventing disease.
Depending on your climate, heavy frost can hinder Kangaroo Paw flower development. If you live in an area with frequent frost, you may want to consider covering your plants with plastic domes or moving them indoors to protect them from the cold.
Here's how to select and prepare your area for Kangaroo Paw plants.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
