Great horsetail (Equisetum telmateia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Great horsetail on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Equisetaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Great horsetail
Equisetum telmateia, commonly known as Great Horsetail, is a perennial non-flowering plant characterized by its branched, leafy sterile stems resembling miniature pine trees, and thicker, unbranched fertile stems. It reaches impressive heights, creating a unique architectural texture. It is ideal for ponds, stream banks, or wet gardens where a prehistoric and striking touch is desired.
Native range
North America, Europe, and Asia
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires consistently moist or even waterlogged soil, making it perfect for water edges. It propagates vigorously via rhizomes, so it's crucial to plant it in bottomless containers or with barriers to control its spread. A common mistake is planting it directly in the garden without containment, which can lead to rapid invasion of the space.
How to save a dying Great horsetail
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, soft stems, rotten base. Does not tolerate dryness.
- First aid
- Check substrate; it must be constantly moist. If dry, water thoroughly. If waterlogged and smelly, repot.
- What kills it
- Allowing substrate to dry completely or too much direct sun. It's not a desert plant.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient if it regains its moisture and partial shade.