Sporobolus Indicus

Description

Sporobolus Indicus, commonly known as Indian dropseed, is a perennial warm-season grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. This grass is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. It grows in clumps and produces long, narrow leaves that are light green in color and have a fine texture. The flowers of Sporobolus Indicus are spikelets that grow on tall stalks and have a purplish-brown color. This grass is also known for its pleasant fragrance, which resembles that of coriander or cilantro.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Sporobolus Indicus is a clumping grass that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its leaves are long and narrow, with a fine texture and a light green color. The flowers of this grass are spikelets that grow on tall stalks and have a purplish-brown color. When Sporobolus Indicus flowers, it produces a pleasant fragrance that resembles coriander or cilantro. This grass is also known for its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.

Care Guide

Sporobolus Indicus is a low-maintenance grass that requires little care. Here are the care requirements for this plant:

• Water: Water Sporobolus Indicus regularly, but do not overwater it. This grass prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established.
• Fertilization: Fertilize Sporobolus Indicus once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. This grass does not require much fertilizer.
• Soil: Sporobolus Indicus prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
• Sunlight: Sporobolus Indicus prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Sporobolus Indicus is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Sporobolus Indicus is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following:

• Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of Sporobolus Indicus. To prevent this disease, avoid overhead watering and remove any infected leaves.
• Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of Sporobolus Indicus to rot. To prevent this disease, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
• Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can feed on the leaves of Sporobolus Indicus. To prevent this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Sporobolus Indicus is native to Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and disturbed areas. This grass prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate drought once established.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Sporobolus Indicus deer-resistant?

A: Yes, Sporobolus Indicus is deer-resistant.

Q: Can Sporobolus Indicus be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Sporobolus Indicus can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering.

Q: Does Sporobolus Indicus require pruning?

A: No, Sporobolus Indicus does not require pruning. However, you can cut back the dead foliage in the spring to promote new growth.

Q: Can Sporobolus Indicus be propagated from seed?

A: Yes, Sporobolus Indicus can be propagated from seed.

Related Plants

• Sporobolus airoides
• Sporobolus cryptandrus
• Sporobolus heterolepis
• Sporobolus junceus

References

• “Sporobolus Indicus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283542&isprofile=0&. Accessed 10 June 2021.
• “Sporobolus Indicus (Indian Dropseed).” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53815/. Accessed 10 June 2021.
• “Sporobolus Indicus.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:417604-1. Accessed 10 June 2021.