Stenotaphrum

Family. Gramíneae.

Origin. Central and South America, Australia.

Description. Stenotaphrum are annual or perennial herbaceous plants with thin creeping rhizomes. The stems are thin, rigid, branched, and take root easily when in contact with the ground. The leaves are linear, green or variegated - with a longitudinal white stripe, 8 - 15 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike 5 - 15 cm long, consists of many very small flowers.

Height. It grows quickly, but the final height often does not exceed 15 - 20 cm. 

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Stenotaphrum tolerates a wide range of temperature conditions, but prefers to be kept at normal room temperature throughout the year. During the winter months, the temperature should not fall below 13°C.

Lighting

A well-lit place with direct sunlight in the morning and evening is preferable. With a lack of light, variegated varieties quickly lose their bright color. 

Care

An unpretentious species that is easy to grow even for beginners with proper watering and high humidity. Remove old leaves at the base of the bushes to maintain an attractive appearance and prevent the appearance of harmful insects.

Substrate

Adapts well to most soil types with pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. Tolerates nutrient-poor substrates.

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with liquid fertilizers with a high nitrogen content monthly. 

Purpose

An attractive, low decorative foliage plant that looks great in hanging baskets.

Flowering time

Flowering occurs in the summer months, but does not make much of an impression. 

Air humidity

Spraying is simply necessary, and daily. Use only soft water for spraying. Place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. 

Soil moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. The stenotaphrum would rather tolerate waterlogging than drying out soil. In the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering in accordance with the temperature in the room.

Transfer

The bush quickly fills the entire space of the pot and needs to be replanted annually in the spring. Young specimens are replanted even twice a season.

Reproduction

Easily propagated by division during transplantation or stem cuttings. Each division should have several stems and its own well-developed roots. Seeds can be sown in late spring or early summer. 

Pests and diseases

The lower leaves dry out when there is a lack of moisture in the soil or air. Spider mites, leaf spot.