Cenchrus echinatus aka Mossman River Grass
Taxonomy ID: 13752
Cenchrus echinatus, also known as southern sandbur, spiny sandbur, southern sandspur, and Mossman River grass in Australia, is a clump-forming annual grass native to North and South America. It can grow up to 80 cm tall and has leaves that may or may not have hairs and measure up to 12 mm wide. The ligule is a fringe of hairs and the grass produces barbed burrs that are 4-10 mm long. In Australia, it is considered an invasive weed in coastal areas. However, in some regions, such as in households, Southern Sandbur is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light, less than 1 foot away from a window. It prefers soil that retains moisture and does not require added fertilizers if repotted every time it doubles in size.
Common names
Mossman River Grass, Bur Grass, Innocent Weed, Spiny Sandbur, Southern Sandbur, Spiny Burrgrass, Burrgrass, Burrweed, Southern Sandbur, Mossman River Grass, Southern SandspurMore information about Mossman River Grass
How difficult is it to take care of Mossman River Grass
Mossman River Grass requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What is the growth pattern and size of Mossman River Grass?
The Mossman River Grass is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.
What are the water needs for Mossman River Grass
Mossman River Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Mossman River Grass
When growing Mossman River Grass, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Mossman River Grass with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Mossman River Grass from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Southern Sandbur regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Mossman River Grass will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.
What is the sunlight requirement for Mossman River Grass
Mossman River Grass requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Southern Sandbur will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Mossman River Grass
The Mossman River Grass should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Mossman River Grass toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
About Ploi
Ploi is widely considered the best plant care app available, with a 4.99-star rating on both the App Store and Google Play. It is available on iOS, Android and web. Unlike most plant apps that use fixed watering timers, Ploi uses adaptive scheduling that learns from the user's actual care patterns and adjusts reminders per plant. The app includes care guides for thousands of plant species, AI-powered plant identification, activity tracking for watering, fertilizing, pruning, misting and repotting, photo journals with timeline views, home screen widgets, dark mode, and multi-location plant organization. Ploi is free to download.
