Eyelash Grass

Eyelash grass is drought tolerant and should only be watered when the soil is very dry or when the foliage begins to show wilted or discolored leaves. When gardening with Eyelash grass, it is best to use the “soak and dry” method of watering. This essentially involves allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Once the soil has dried out, water your plants deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the roots. During the heat of summer, it is best to water your Eyelash grass in the evening so the leaves can dry out during the day.

Eyelash grass is tolerant of most sunlight and prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in areas with direct, all-day sunlight, as well as partial shade and a bit of filtered light. When grown in full sunlight, it can reach heights up to 3 feet, but when grown in partial shade, it will stay shorter, about 1-2 feet. This grass can also tolerate some light frost, but should be kept in consistent temperatures.

Eyelash grass is suitable for growing in both warm and cool climates and prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It can tolerate light frosts of up to -10°F (-23°C), but should be kept in a consistent temperature range when possible.

Humidity is considered to be quite important for Eyelash grass. It is best to maintain a regular dampness during hot spells, as well as throughout the winter. To help with this, a humidifier can be used near the plant. You can also mist the foliage in the morning and/or use a pebble tray to increase the ambient humidity.

Eyelash grass prefers soil that is light and sandy, with good drainage. A commercial potting mix for houseplants is a good choice, as long as it is well-draining. For containers, a mixture of two parts soil-based potting mix and one part sand makes a good growing medium. If planting in the ground, dig in some organic matter such as leaf mold or compost before planting.

Eyelash grass should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer for houseplants, such as an all-purpose houseplant food. Follow the instructions on the packaging as to how much fertilizer to use for a given size pot. During the winter, reduce the amount of fertilizer and wait for the days to warm up in the spring before resuming a regular fertilizing routine.

Eyelash grass is generally quite resilient and rarely suffers from pests. Still, some insect pests can cause damage to the foliage and should be treated immediately. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. To treat any of these pests, you can use an insecticide suitable for houseplants. Be sure to spray your plant from the top and bottom of the leaves and repeat as necessary. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any insecticides.

Eyelash grass should be repotted every two to three years. To repot your plant, use a potting mix designed for houseplants. Be sure to choose a pot with adequate drainage holes. When repotting your Eyelash grass, take care to keep the roots and foliage intact and break up any clumped soil around the roots. After repotting, water the plant well and place in a warm, sunny spot.

Eyelash grass should be trimmed and pruned regularly to keep it looking its best. This will help to maintain a neat shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done in the spring or summer, after the flowers have faded. Dead or brown leaves should be removed as well to prevent disease and promote air circulation.

Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil and protect plant roots from extreme temperatures and fluctuations in moisture. For houseplants, use a thin layer of organic mulch such as chopped tree bark or shredded leaves.

Eyelash grass can be propagated from seed or by dividing the roots of established plants. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix at room temperature. When growing from divided roots, carefully remove the root ball from the soil and use a sharp knife to cut it into 2-3 sections. Replant each division in a separate pot, and water thoroughly.

To support taller plants, or those with larger foliage, Eyelash grass can be grown with a trellis or stake. Secure the base of the trellis to the ground, or a pot, for added stability.

During the winter months, Eyelash grass will go into a resting period and needs less water. During this time, the plant should receive less water and fewer nutrients. When the days start to warm up in the spring, it’s time to resume normal watering and fertilizing.

Eyelash grass is not toxic to pets.