Syringodium filiforme
Manatee grass · Eelgrass
Description
Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)Syringodium filiforme, commonly known as manatee grass, is a species of marine seagrass. It forms meadows in shallow sandy or muddy locations in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and is also found in the Bahamas and Bermuda. It occurs to a depth of about 20 m (66 ft), and even deeper where water is very clear.
Care Guide
💧 Water
Manatee grass flourishes in coastal marine environments, where it needs consistent moisture, much like its natural oceanic habitat. To mimic its native conditions, water it weekly to ensure it remains hydrated. While it can endure short periods of drought, its growth and reproduction are influenced by changes in water temperature, which affect its vigor and seasonal life cycle.
☀️ Light Full sun
Manatee grass is found in sunny habitats, such as the shallow margins of ponds and lakes. It prefers full sun, although it can tolerate partial sun.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Manatee grass comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high heat and humidity. It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and prefers a consistent temperature, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It generally cannot tolerate cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
Manatee grass is a marine plant characterized by its slender, cylindrical leaves. To encourage growth, it is best to prune it from early to late spring, removing any damaged leaves close to the base. However, be careful not to over-prune, as this can disrupt the ecosystem’s natural balance. With proper care, manatee grass will not only thrive but also enhance the resilience and beauty of the underwater habitat.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Syringodium
- Family
- Cymodoceaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Sea Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Colombia, Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica