Bromus arvensis — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Bromus arvensis

Bromus Arvensis

Updated · 115 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Bromus arvensis, the field brome, is a brome grass native to Europe and Asia. The specific epithet arvensis is Latin, meaning "of cultivated land".

A note from PlantMom

Erect brome shows strong resistance to disease and is typically not prone to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Erect bromet is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive experience in plant care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Bromus Arvensis.

Light

Erect brome thrives in locations that receive abundant sunlight throughout the day. When exposed to insufficient light, it can impede the plant's growth and overall health. Because it originates from habitats where sunlight is typically plentiful, reduced solar exposure may result in weaker, less vigorous specimens.

Water

Field brome thrives in moderately moist conditions and needs consistent soil hydration. It requires weekly watering, as it cannot tolerate either overwatering or prolonged drought. While it is typically grown outdoors and benefits from natural rainfall, additional irrigation may be necessary during the growing season.

Temperature

Erect brome is native to temperate regions and generally prefers a temperature range of 50 to 77 °F (10 to 25 ℃). Keeping this temperature through the seasons will help ensure healthy growth.

Fertilizer

Erect brome needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, putting some compost around the plant’s base can effectively supply the nutrition it requires. Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and helps the plant resist diseases and pests.

Pruning

To encourage healthy growth and prevent disease in field brome, it is important to prune the plants from early to late spring. This involves removing dead stems and thinning out congested areas. These actions improve air circulation, control the spread of the plants, and enhance their appearance. As a result, field brome becomes more resilient to environmental stresses.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Bromus
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
6
Mature Height
40 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Green, Yellow, Purple, Black
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Field brome en Field Bromegrass en Schrader's brome
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What should I do if I give my Field brome grass too much water or too little water?

Proper watering is essential for this beautiful ornamental grass to thrive. When planted in the ground, any watering issues can be resolved. However, in a container, excessive or inadequate water will quickly kill Field brome. When Field brome doesn't receive the right amount of water, it may cease to grow. Overwatering can cause yellow leaves with brown tips, while underwatering can result in drooping leaves, weak seed head production, and browned leaves. If you suspect your Field brome has been watered incorrectly, the first step is to determine whether it's receiving too much or too little water. If it's being overwatered, immediately stop watering and allow time for heavy soils to dry out. Once you see new growth, check the soil moisture and decide if additional watering is needed. If the grass isn't getting enough water, simply give it a deep drink and see if it improves. Remember, it's better to water deeply and infrequently as this promotes deep root growth, making the grass more resistant to drought and watering-related issues.

What are the sunlight requirements for Field brome?

Field brome, known botanically as Bromus arvensis, thrives in environments with full sun exposure, requiring more than 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. It can also tolerate partial sun, needing about 3-6 hours of sunlight. However, it is critical to observe the sunlight's movement through your garden to ensure that plants are placed in locations providing an ideal balance of light and shade, thus ensuring their health and happiness.

What is Field brome and where is it native to?

Field brome, botanically known as Bromus arvensis, is a plant native to temperate regions. It thrives in environments where temperatures range between 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C), showing adaptability to seasonal variations. The ideal conditions for its growth fall within this temperature range, making it well-suited to various temperate climates.

How frequently should I water my Field brome?

The watering needs of Field brome depend on its planting location. In general, watering once a week is recommended. However, in hot climates, watering once or twice a week during summer may be necessary. In moderate climates, watering once every seven days or more may be sufficient. It's important to note that grass in containers typically requires more frequent watering compared to grass planted in the ground. The species of grass also plays a role, as shaded grasses require less frequent watering than those in the ground. Field brome should only be watered when the soil is dry. To determine if watering is necessary, you can check the soil moisture by pressing your finger into the soil or weighing the pot. If the grass lacks sufficient water, the blades may appear folded and thinner than usual. Despite its drought tolerance, regular, deep waterings will result in beautiful color. Although Field brome grows in open scrubland and can withstand extreme heat and intermittent rain, it still requires care and attention. Consistent watering is beneficial for its optimal growth. When newly planted, Field brome needs more frequent watering until it develops deep roots. For potted Field brome, the soil may dry out quickly, especially under hot, direct sunlight. Testing the soil every 3 to 4 days and watering only when it feels dry is recommended. Field brome planted in the ground generally requires less watering, but this depends on the soil type. Clay soil, which retains moisture well, may feel dry on the surface while still having adequate moisture below ground. On the other hand, sandy soil that drains quickly may need to be watered more often.

How does artificial lighting support Field brome growth indoors?

For indoor cultivation of Field brome, when natural sunlight is not sufficient, artificial lighting becomes essential for its growth, particularly during less sunny seasons or in less sunlit spaces. LED lights are recommended for their ability to be customized to the specific light wavelengths needed by plants. Full sun plants like Field brome require 30-50W per square foot of artificial light. The artificial light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight and be kept on for 8-12 hours per day to simulate the natural daylight hours most beneficial for plant growth.

Is Field brome cold-tolerant?

Yes, Field brome is highly cold-tolerant and does not require additional measures for frost protection during the winter. However, to prepare for winter, it is advisable to water the plant generously before the first freeze in autumn. Ensuring the soil is moist before it freezes helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during the colder months and into early spring.

What do I need to watch out for when I water my Field brome in different seasons, climates, or during different stages of growth?

To determine if you are watering enough, pay attention to the rate of growth of your grass. For example, field brome grass tends to double in size during the hottest months of the year. If the weather is hot but the grass is not growing vigorously, it might be a sign that you need to adjust your watering schedule. In the winter, you can likely water only once a month, but it's still important to check the soil for moisture. During the growth cycle in warmer months, the grass will require more water than usual. However, during winter and cooler months, the need for water will be significantly reduced. The crucial thing to remember when dealing with field brome is to allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again.

What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Field brome when grown indoors?

When Field brome is grown under inadequate light conditions indoors, several symptoms can manifest. These include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, stunted or halted growth, and lighter-colored or yellow leaves indicating chlorosis. Conditions such as sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching might also occur due to excessive light when outside the optimal light range. These symptoms demonstrate the plant's struggle with insufficient or excessively intense light, affecting its health and growth.

What should be done if the temperature drops below Field brome's cold tolerance level?

Field brome can withstand extremely cold temperatures, maintaining a tolerance level above -40°C (-40°F). If temperatures fall below this threshold, you might not observe any immediate changes during winter. However, there could be a noticeable decrease in sprouting or even absence of sprouting come spring. In such cases, it's recommended to remove any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout in spring.

How can you address insufficient sunlight for Field brome both indoors and outdoors?

To combat insufficient sunlight for Field brome, gradual adaptation to sunlight is crucial. Indoors, you can move the plant to a sunnier location weekly, aiming for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, and consider utilizing artificial lighting if moving the plant is not feasible. Outdoors, it's imperative to gradually relocate plants to sunnier spots to prevent sunburn, making incremental adjustments each week. If sunlight is being obstructed, reducing such obstructions through pruning or relocating plants can significantly enhance light exposure. These measures help ensure that Field brome receives the necessary sunlight for healthy growth.

How does Field brome react to high temperatures, and what measures should be taken?

Field brome is not tolerant of high temperatures. Growth ceases and the plant becomes more susceptible to rot if temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C). To protect the plant, trim away sunburned and dried-up parts. Relocate the plant to a shaded area or utilize a shade cloth to protect it from the midday and afternoon sun. Ensuring the soil stays moist through watering in the morning and evening is also crucial under high-temperature conditions.

PLATES
Bromus arvensis leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Bromus arvensis leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Bromus arvensis flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Bromus arvensis flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Bromus arvensis fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Bromus arvensis fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.