Paspalum repens, known as horsetail paspalum or water paspalum, is a species of grass native to South America, Central America, and North America. It is often called Paspalum fluitans, though this name is treated as a synonym of P. repens in Kew's Plants of the World Online database and the Flora of North America project. It is an obligate wetland species, often found submersed or floating in shallow water bodies or on the edges of rivers. It grows to be about a foot tall, with lance shaped leaves, spongy air-filled stems, and often a reddish tint. Inflorescence takes the form of spikelets.
Water paspalum resists disease well and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. This plant is relatively low maintenance. Planted outdoors, it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Water paspalum is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not call for much gardening experience.
How to keep Paspalum Repens.
Light
Water paspalum has its origins in settings with copious sunlight, like the marginal areas of ponds and lakes. It prefers to grow in full sun, but it can also withstand partial sun to some extent.
Temperature
Water paspalum is native to tropical areas, characterized by their hot, wet climate. It is thus well-suited to high heat and moisture levels. This plant isn't fond of abrupt changes in temperature and thrives best in consistent thermal conditions, making it crucial to prevent temperature swings when indoors. It generally doesn't prosper in cold climates and needs warmer temperatures for its growth. Should the surrounding temperature fall significantly, it can cause the plant to stop growing or even perish.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 0.49 m to 1.52 m
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Pale Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Size
- 0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, Colombia, Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica
Other names.
