Ophiopogon planiscapus aka Black Mondo

Taxonomy

Ophiopogon planiscapus, also known as black mondo grass, is an evergreen perennial in the Asparagaceae family. Native to Japan, it grows up to 20 cm (8 in) tall and 30 cm (12 in) wide from short rhizomes. The plant bears tufts of grasslike leaves and produces purple or white flowers in racemes held on short stems above the foliage in the summer. It is a popular ornamental groundcover that spreads slowly and has daughter plants that revert to green.

Common names

Black Mondo, Black Mondo Grass, Black Lilyturf

How to care for Black Mondo

Difficulty

Black Mondo requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Black Mondo should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Black Mondo 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

Black Mondo 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 Black Mondo will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Black Mondo is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Black Mondo is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.


More info:
Wikipedia