Pogonatherum

Family. Gramíneae.

Origin. China.

Description. Pogonatherum is a miniature, perennial, evergreen, herbaceous plant. The stems are thin and erect, but if not pruned they can take on a gracefully drooping appearance. The leaves are narrow and long - about 5 - 7 cm, green, similar to bamboo. During the flowering period, inflorescences typical of cereals are formed - spikelets with many small flowers.

Height. When grown in pots barely exceeds 30 cm in height. 

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The plant likes warm conditions at a temperature of about 20° C during the growth period and cool conditions during the dormant period from 15 to 20° C. 

Lighting

Provide a brightly lit area with plenty of reflected sunlight but no direct sunlight.

Care

Regularly pinch the tips of young shoots so that new side branches appear. Too long shoots are cut to the required height to maintain a compact shape. In the summer months, place the flower on a balcony or terrace.

Substrate

Moderately acidic soil with a pH of 6.1 to 6.5; a peat-based mixture with the addition of garden soil, leaf humus and a small amount of coarse sand for drainage is suitable.

Feeding

Feed in spring and summer with fertilizers high in nitrogen every 2 weeks. In autumn and winter, fertilizing may not be necessary.

Purpose

Pogonatherum can be grown as a hanging plant if not pruned.

Flowering time

In indoor conditions rarely blooms. 

Air humidity

Can tolerate dry indoor air, but air humidity should be increased during the heating season. Do not place the pogonatherum near heating sources or in a draft. 

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, the substrate should be constantly moist. Excess moisture is left in the pan for a day. In autumn and winter, watering is slightly reduced, drying the soil to a depth of 1 - 2 cm.

Transfer

Adult specimens are replanted in the spring every 2–3 years when the root system becomes cramped in the pot.

Propagation

Easily propagated by division during transplantation or by stem cuttings about 5 cm long.

Note

After several years of cultivation, plants may lose their attractiveness - replace them with new ones.

Pests and diseases

Leaves may turn yellow if watered too frequently. When there is a lack of moisture, the pogonatherum sheds its leaves.

Insect pests appear rarely; if not kept properly, plants are attacked by spider mites.