Ischaemum indicum — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Ischaemum indicum

Ischaemum Indicum

Updated · 1 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Polytrias is a genus of Asian, African, and Pacific Island plants in the grass family, commonly called Java grass, Batiki bluegrass, Indian murainagrass, or toto grass. The only known species is Polytrias indica, native to West Africa, Seychelles, the Indian subcontinent, southern China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Fiji, and Micronesia. It is also cultivated as a lawn grass in other tropical regions, and naturalized in scattered locations in tropical North and South America.

A note from PlantMom

Java grass is resistant to disease and generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, the plant is quite low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they bloom. Java grass is appropriate for anyone who has an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much prior care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Ischaemum Indicum.

Light

Originating from open environments, Java grass is a perennial herbaceous plant that thrives in sunny conditions, commonly found in meadows and grasslands. It has a preference for full sunlight, but it can also adapt to areas with partial sunlight.

Temperature

Java grass hails from the tropics which are typically characterized by a hot, moist climate. Thus, it has acclimated well to elevated temperatures and humidity. It frowns upon abrupt changes in temperature and favors a uniformly temperate environment, thus it's crucial to prevent variations in indoor temperature. The grass generally doesn't endure cold weather well and necessitates warmer climates for growth. Should the surrounding temperature plummet excessively, the plant's growth could halt or it could even perish.

Fertilizer

Java grass necessitates supplementary nutrients for encouraging robust new growth. During the spring, positioning some compost around the plant's base can deliver the required nourishment it needs. Fertilization is beneficial in promoting strong growth and empowering the plant to ward off diseases and pests.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Ischaemum
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
20 cm to 40 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Size
0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Native Area
Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Fiji, China, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Vietnam, Myanmar, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Thailand
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Indian murainagrass en Batiki bluegrass en Java grass en Javanese grass en Toto grass
PLATES
Ischaemum indicum leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Ischaemum indicum fruit
PLATE 02 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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