Sporobolus indicus aka Smut Grass

Taxonomy

Sporobolus indicus, also known as smut grass, is a tufted perennial grass native to tropical America. Although it occurs as a weed in many different areas, it is most problematic in pastures in the southern and western United States. Livestock tend to avoid grazing on smut grass due to its unpalatability, which leads to significant reductions in grazing capacity. This plant produces a tuft of stems up to a meter tall, with hairless leaves up to 50 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a dense, narrow, spikelike panicle of grayish or light brown spikelets, and the upper leaves and inflorescence are sometimes coated in black smut fungus of the genus Bipolaris. Smut grass may be poisonous. To get rid of it, glyphosate can be used in different concentrations. As a houseplant, smut grass needs regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that is well-draining, but typically does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Smut Grass, Giant Parramatta Grass, Bull Grass

How to care for Smut Grass

Difficulty

Caring for Smut Grass is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Smut Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Smut 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

Smut Grass requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Giant Parramatta Grass is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Smut Grass grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Smut Grass is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.

Region of origin

Smut Grass’s native range is S. Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia