Miscanthus sinensis aka Zebra Grass
Taxonomy
Miscanthus sinensis, also known as eulalia or Chinese silver grass, is a tall and graceful ornamental plant in the grass family Poaceae. It is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. The plant produces coppery flower heads in early fall that turn into silvery white plumes, making it a beautiful addition to any garden. The leaves are sword-like and green with a silver stripe running up the middle. While the plant can be quite weedy in warmer climates, mulching can help prevent re-seeding. Despite the leaves yellowing by mid-fall and fading to beige in winter, they still provide much-needed winter interest. When in flower, Miscanthus sinensis can reach up to 8 feet tall, and its stems turn red in the fall.
Common names
Zebra Grass, Chinese Silvergrass, MiscanthusHow to care for Zebra Grass
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Zebra Grass is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Zebra Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Zebra Grass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Zebra Grass prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Zebra Grass plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
The Zebra Grass is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
The Zebra Grass displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
Region of origin
Zebra Grass’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
More info:
Wikipedia
