Miniature Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus
Acorus gramineus is a compact, grass-like plant that forms tidy fans of narrow, glossy leaves that smell of sweet citrus when you crush them. It is one of the few houseplants that actually thrives in a saucer of standing water, which makes it nearly impossible to overwater — a genuinely rare quality. Dwarf cultivars like 'Minimus Aureus' stay under 3 inches tall, making this a top pick for terrariums, dish gardens, and miniature water features.
How to grow Miniature Sweet Flag
Tolerates a range from partial
Water plentifully and consistently -
60-80%
Hardy and adaptable.
Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil -
Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years in early spring.
Largely pest-free and deer-resistant.
Fun Facts
The genus name Acorus derives from the Greek word acoron, meaning 'pupil' — ancient physicians used preparations from the plant to treat eye conditions.
Toxic to pets
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA for cats, dogs, or horses. Like its relative Acorus calamus, the Asian varieties of Acorus gramineus may contain low levels of asarone compounds, but at concentrations far lower than A. calamus and not considered a practical health risk for pets encountering the plant.
Sources
- Acorus Sweet Flag Info - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
- Acorus Sweet Flag Info — Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
- Growing Acorus Gramineus Variegatus Plants - Plant Care Today (opens in new tab)Reference
- Growing Acorus Gramineus Variegatus Plants — Plant Care Today (opens in new tab)Reference
- Acorus gramineus - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
- Acorus gramineus — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension