Desmostachya bipinnata — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Desmostachya bipinnata

Desmostachya Bipinnata

Updated · 2 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Desmostachya bipinnata, commonly known as halfa grass, big cordgrass, and salt reed-grass, is an Old World perennial grass, long known and used in human history. The grass is tall, tufted, leafy, perennial grass, branching from the base, erect from a stout creeping rootstock.

A note from PlantMom

Desmostachya bipinnata is resistant to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Desmostachya bipinnata is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much experience in plant care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Desmostachya Bipinnata.

Light

Desmostachya bipinnata is a sun-loving perennial herbaceous plant that comes from open habitats and is commonly found in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Temperature

Desmostachya bipinnata is fairly adaptable to temperature, tolerating high heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot conditions, attention should be paid to watering and providing suitable shade to avoid sunburn. Conversely, Desmostachya bipinnata is relatively sensitive to low temperatures. Although it can tolerate some cold, very low temperatures can cause frost damage.

Fertilizer

Desmostachya bipinnata needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, applying compost around the plant’s base can effectively supply the nutrition it requires. Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and helps the plant fend off diseases and pests.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Desmostachya
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-11
Mature Height
0.49 m to 1.52 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Somalia, Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Mauritania, Eritrea, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Yemen, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Chad, China, Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Vietnam, Israel, Oman, Iran, Ethiopia, Algeria, Qatar, Thailand, Central African Republic
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Halfa Grass en Crowfoot Grass en Sacrificial grass