Origin
The Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Japan, Korea, and China.
Common Names
Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer is a mouthful to say, so it goes by a few different common names. In Japan, it is called "Tsukuba-nade-shiko" or "Tsukuba Hair Grass" because of its hair-like appearance. In China, it is known as "Mao Wei Cao".
Uses
A distinctive trait of the Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer is its ability to grow in damp soils, so it is often used to prevent soil erosion in areas like riverbanks and ditches. It's also frequently used in aquatic planting and as a ground cover to prevent weed growth. In Japan and China, it’s sometimes used to create a lush, green lawn.
General Appearance
Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer is a low-growing, perennial grass that is known for its fine texture. It has a greenish-grey, velvety sheen on the stem and leaves, with leaves that can be as long as 20 cm. The plant grows up to 40 cm in height and spreads rapidly, making it ideal for groundcover purposes. In late summer and early fall, the plant produces flowers that are beige in color and look like little fluffy plumes above the foliage, adding to its ornamental appeal.
hereLight Requirements
Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer is a shade-loving grass, hence can grow in semi-shaded or shaded conditions. It prefers an environment that receives filtered or indirect sunlight, avoiding direct exposure to intense sunlight. The plant tends to grow well under the canopy of taller trees and structures that can serve as shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a range of temperatures, but prefers a warm and humid climate. The optimum growth temperature for the plant ranges between 20°C to 30°C. However, the minimum temperature required for its survival is 10°C. The plant does not tolerate harsh climatic conditions like frost, drought and extreme temperatures below 0°C and above 40°C.
Soil Requirements
Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer prefers moist, fertile and well-drained soil in which it can root deeply. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The optimum soil pH for the plant's growth ranges between 6-7.5. It can also tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soil conditions.
Cultivation
The Arthraxon hispidus var. quartinianus plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, and provides the plant with moist, well-draining soil. You can propagate the plant through seed or division during the spring or early summer. After planting, maintain the soil moisture and ensure weeds are removed to allow the plant to grow freely.
Watering Needs
The Arthraxon hispidus var. quartinianus plant requires consistent moisture, but ensure not to overwater. Water the plant deeply once every week, and adjust watering based on factors such as temperature and rainfall. However, ensure the soil does not become waterlogged, which may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires frequent feeding, especially during the growing season. You can add slow-release, balanced or organic fertilizer to the soil at planting and follow up with additional applications every month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
The Arthraxon hispidus var. quartinianus plant requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and health. You can prune the plant during the winter or early spring while it is still dormant by cutting back the old growth to allow for new growth. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation Method for Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer
Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer is commonly known as small carpetgrass. Propagation of this plant is notably easy and feasible through different methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for this plant is through seeds. Collect mature seeds of the plant in autumn, when they are easily visible as mature and brown in color. The plant usually spreads through the production of numerous small seeds that are distributed by wind and animals. You can collect and dry the seeds thoroughly before sowing in a well-draining potting mix in the nursery bags or trays. After application of the seeds on the surface of potting soil, water the trays and keep them in the sun to bring up germination. The seeds will usually take around 2-4 weeks to germinate depending on climatic conditions, and you can thereafter transplant the seedlings into larger pots or in the field.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating Arthraxon hispidus is through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the mother plant in early spring when the plant is producing new leaves. The cutting should contain firm wood, and it is advisable to have 2-4 nodes on one cutting. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in pre-prepared planting beds. Water the planting beds frequently and make sure they are moist but not too wet. The cuttings will root and produce new leaves within a few weeks. After root development, transplant the seedlings to their permanent location.
Division
Propagating Arthraxon hispidus through division is also possible. This method involves separating an established plant into several smaller plants for growing. Dig out the plant carefully and divide the roots into several parts using a sharp knife while ensuring that every part has roots and a few shoots. Plant the divided parts into individual nursery bags or pots with well-draining soil mix, water them, and keep them in sun or partial shade until they regain their vigor, then transplant them to their permanent location.
Propagation of Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer is relatively easy and practical through the above three methods.
Disease Management for Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer
Arthraxon hispidus is a relatively hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, it is important to monitor your plant and take action if any signs of disease are detected.
One common disease that can affect Arthraxon hispidus is leaf blight, which can cause the leaves to turn black or brown and eventually die. To manage leaf blight, it is important to remove any infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Additionally, you can use a fungicide to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Arthraxon hispidus is powdery mildew, which can cause a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Additionally, you can use a fungicide to help prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino var. quartinianus (A.Rich.) Backer
Arthraxon hispidus is relatively pest-free, but it is still important to monitor your plant and take action if any pests are detected.
One pest that can affect Arthraxon hispidus is aphids, which can cause the leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate the pests.
Another pest that can affect Arthraxon hispidus is mealybugs, which can cause a white, cottony substance to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate the pests.
Finally, spider mites can also affect Arthraxon hispidus, causing the leaves to turn yellow and become stunted. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or a miticide to eliminate the pests.
