Horse Tail Reed

How WIDE will each 1-gallon plant spread? I want to fill a 10-foot-long planter. I am trying to determine how many plants I would need. Thank you.

A 1-gallon horsetail reed plant can spread several feet wide over time, depending on conditions. With its aggressive rhizome growth, it can cover significant ground within a few years.

Can you provide specifics about growingconditions? -full sun? - depth of root system? I’d like to plant in tall planters to create a tall but narrow screen at a property line

Horsetail reeds (Equisetum) are an excellent choice for creating a tall, narrow privacy screen. Here are the growing conditions and specifics for planting them in tall planters:

• Full Sun to Partial Shade: Horsetail reeds can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. In Zone 6, they will do well in either condition, but full sun may promote denser growth.

• Root Depth: Horsetail reeds have shallow but aggressive rhizomes, typically spreading 6-12 inches deep. In planters, ensure they are at least 12-18 inches deep to contain the roots while providing enough room for growth.

• Planter Depth and Size: For the best growth, use tall planters with at least 18-24 inches of depth to allow for both root development and water retention. Ensure the planters are wide enough to prevent overcrowding—24 inches in diameter is ideal.

• Water Needs: Horsetail reeds thrive in moist to wet soil. Water frequently, especially in hot summers, ensuring the soil stays consistently damp. These plants can even tolerate standing water, making them very versatile for containers.

This setup will help you achieve a lush, green privacy screen year-round in your Zone 6 location.

Is horsetail Reed grass a perinnial in zone 5?

 Yes, horsetail reed is a perennial in USDA Zone 5. It is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F, though it may need some winter protection in exposed areas.

Will they thrive in a pot in zone 9 ?

Yes, horsetail reed will thrive in a pot in Zone 9. This plant is well-suited for warmer climates and can be grown in containers as long as it remains consistently moist.

Is this a slow growing plant

 Horsetail reed is not a slow-growing plant. Once established, it spreads aggressively through rhizomes, quickly colonizing available space.

How fast does Horsetail Reed grow. Considering growing in large containers on deck for privacy of hot tub. I believe it stays green in all seasons in US Zone 6? Look forward to your thoughts.

Horsetail reed (Equisetum hyemale) is a fast-growing plant, typically growing 1-3 feet per year under optimal conditions. In large containers, it can provide an effective privacy screen due to its dense, vertical growth. In Zone 6, it should stay green year-round, as it is a perennial that retains its foliage in milder winter climates. However, in colder winters, it may experience some dieback, but will regrow in spring.

For your deck privacy project, ensure the containers are large enough for root expansion and keep the soil consistently moist. Horsetail reed prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives with ample water, especially in hot summers. Regular watering will be crucial to maintaining its vigorous growth and lush appearance.

What type of soil and nutrients do Horse Tail Reeds need?

Horsetail reeds (Equisetum spp.) thrive in specific soil and nutrient conditions due to their preference for wet, boggy environments. Here's what they need:

1. Soil Type:

   • Moist to waterlogged soil, such as clay or loamy soil.
   • They can also grow well in sandy soils if kept consistently wet.

2. pH Level:

   • Prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5-7.5).

3. Nutrients:

   • Horsetail reeds are not heavy feeders and usually thrive without fertilization in nutrient-poor soils.
   • If growth seems slow, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring.

4. Water:

   • They require constant moisture and can even grow submerged in shallow water.

Keep the soil consistently wet and avoid dry conditions, as horsetail reeds are highly dependent on water to thrive.

Can these plants be shipped to Call?

Yes, we ship all over the USA except for hawaii and alaska. 

Does this plant return silineum to the grown?

Horsetail reed (Equisetum hyemale) is a perennial plant that typically returns each year. It doesn't produce sileneum, but rather grows tall, jointed stems that resemble bamboo. Horsetail reed is known for its aggressive growth, often thriving in moist environments. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, hardy plant, horsetail reed is a great option, but it’s essential to manage its spread.

Can these be grown indoors in a pot?

Yes, Horsetail Reed (Equisetum hyemale) can be grown indoors. This striking plant thrives in bright, indirect light and humid environments, making it a great choice for indoor decor. When grown indoors, it requires consistently moist soil, as it naturally grows in wet areas. Horsetail Reed is a low-maintenance plant that adds a unique, vertical aesthetic to your indoor spaces. However, it’s important to provide adequate drainage and avoid letting the roots sit in water to prevent root rot.

Is this Equisetum Arvense?

Yes, the horsetail reed plant is commonly referred to as Equisetum arvense. It belongs to the genus Equisetum, which is known for its reed-like, hollow stems. Equisetum arvense is one of the most common species in this group and is often called field horsetail. However, there are several varieties of Equisetum, so it's important to verify the exact species based on your needs, as some types can be invasive.

can horsetail survive indoors?

Horsetail reed (Equisetum hyemale) can be grown indoors, but it requires careful attention to lighting and moisture. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and needs consistently wet soil, as it's a plant that naturally grows in marshy environments. Ensure the pot has good drainage and water it frequently to keep the soil moist. However, indoors, it may not grow as vigorously as it would outdoors.

Can Horse Tail Reed plants be for indoors?

Horsetail reed (Equisetum hyemale) can be grown indoors, but it requires careful attention to lighting and moisture. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and needs consistently wet soil, as it's a plant that naturally grows in marshy environments. Ensure the pot has good drainage and water it frequently to keep the soil moist. However, indoors, it may not grow as vigorously as it would outdoors.

Is this toxic to grazing animals? Peterd400@yahoo.com

Yes, horsetail reed (Equisetum spp.) is toxic to grazing animals such as horses, cattle, and sheep. It contains a compound called thiaminase, which can break down vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the animal's body, leading to symptoms like weakness, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, death. Grazing animals should not have access to areas where horsetail reed grows, especially in large quantities.

Will this plant survive outside in the winter

 Horsetail reed (Equisetum hyemale) can survive outside during winter in milder climates, but in colder regions, especially where temperatures drop significantly below freezing, it may not fare as well without protection.

Can horse tail Reed be left in pond over winter

 Yes, horsetail reed can generally be left in a pond over winter, provided the water doesn’t freeze completely. It's a hardy plant that tolerates wet conditions and can survive in submerged environments.

Can you grow these these in a pot indoors?

Yes, horsetail reed can be grown indoors, especially in well-lit areas. It makes an excellent architectural plant for indoor water features or containers with adequate moisture.

I just saw some in a park. Are they Annuals or Perennials? Do they spread?

 Yes, horsetail reeds are perennials, and they do spread aggressively via underground rhizomes. Without proper containment, they can take over an area quickly.

The size of pot showing is tgat what you receive for the $14.99? Is that how it comes delivered to you in a pot with dirt??

Yes, it comes delivered in a container with dirt. The container is wrapped with a bag so the dirt doesn't move around the box. Then the plant is staked and sleeved to that it doesnt move around the box.

Will the root system multiply a lot faster if you grow it in the water???

Growing horsetail reed in water can encourage faster root and rhizome growth, as it thrives in moist environments. The plant will spread rapidly in the right conditions.

Hello, I intend to order these for a client here in MN. I know these are highly invasive, would you suggest just keeping them in the pot and planting them that way? Also, we are in zone 4, wondering if they will survive over the winter? Do you suggest a marsh hay? I haven’t used these before but have seen them “make it” in parts of MN. Thank you for your input!

Horsetail reeds (Equisetum) can indeed be highly invasive due to their rapid spread through rhizomes. Keeping them in pots is a good option to control their growth and prevent them from taking over the surrounding area. Since you're in Minnesota (Zone 4), horsetail reeds may struggle to survive harsh winter temperatures unless they're in a protected environment. Mulching with marsh hay could offer some insulation for the plants during the winter, but they still might not make it through without extra care.

If you want to use horsetail reeds in Zone 4, planting them in pots and potentially bringing them inside or providing extra protection during winter could increase their chances of survival. If planted outdoors without protection, their winter hardiness may be a challenge.

How many of these would I need to fill out a q' by 4' pot?

To fill out a 4’ by 4’ pot, you would typically need 6-8 horsetail reed plants. They spread rapidly, so spacing them initially will still lead to them filling the space over time.

If potted in a container, approximately what size does it need to be for best growing condition? Also how much water in Salt Lake City’s increasingly hot summers? Sun exposure?

Horsetail reeds generally do well in containers if they have enough space for their roots to spread. For best growing conditions, choose a container that is at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. This will give the plant ample room to grow without becoming root-bound.

In Salt Lake City's increasingly hot summers, horsetail reeds require consistently moist soil. They thrive in wet conditions, so ensure the container is well-watered, but with good drainage to prevent stagnant water. Aim to water frequently, keeping the soil consistently damp, especially during the peak heat of summer.

For sun exposure, horsetail reeds prefer full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates like Salt Lake City, it’s best to provide them with partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent stress and maintain moisture levels.

When should I plant? I live in NC.

The best time to plant horsetail reed in North Carolina is in early spring or early fall. This allows the plant to establish itself before extreme heat or cold.

Is this a robustum?

 No, horsetail reed is Equisetum hyemale, not Equisetum robustum. However, both are closely related and share similar characteristics.