Overview
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. is a herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is a native plant of Asia that can be found in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. This plant varietal is commonly known as small-leaved carpet grass or narrow-leaved carpet grass.
Appearance
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. has a creeping growth habit and can form dense carpets as a ground cover. The plant typically grows up to 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide, producing fine-textured, narrow leaves that are about 4-7mm wide. The leaves are green and have a slightly glossy surface.
Uses
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. is mainly used as a ground cover due to its spreading growth habit. It is also used for erosion control on embankments and slopes. In traditional Korean medicine, the plant is used to treat urinary tract infections, as well as for its diuretic and antipyretic properties. The plant is also commonly used as a forage crop.
Cultivation
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. It grows best in warm and humid climates, making it an ideal choice for regions with a mild winter and rainy season. The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means, and requires minimal maintenance once established.
Light Requirements
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. thrives in areas with moderate or partial shade. It grows well under tree shades, and direct sunlight exposure can lead to its stunted growth and sunburns. Therefore, it is advisable to plant the grass in spots that receive partial sunlight or at the edges of taller plants.
Temperature Requirements
The grass can thrive well in areas with mild to warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range should be between 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. The plant can withstand some frost, but growth is significantly reduced below 10 degrees Celsius. In areas with lower temperatures, it is better to grow the grass in greenhouses or containers.
Soil Requirements
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. tolerates different soil types but prefers well-drained, moist soils. It can survive in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil conditions with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support healthy growth. The grass can also do well in sandy loam soils.
Cultivation Methods
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. is a grass species that thrives best in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic or neutral pH level. It prefers full sunlight to partial shade and requires minimal attention once established. It is an easy-to-grow ground cover and can be propagated through seed sowing or division of larger clumps.
Watering Needs
The optimal time to irrigate Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. is in the morning, preferably before 10:00 am. This allows the leaves to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal infection. During the first year, regular watering is necessary to establish the roots entirely. After that, these plants require moderate watering, about an inch of water per week during the hot, dry season. Always check the soil's moisture level before watering and avoid over-watering as it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. does not require copious amounts of fertilizer as it is not a heavy feeder. However, fertilization is necessary to ensure optimal plant growth and health. Apply a complete, balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, annually in the spring, just before the growing season begins. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth, and consequently, poor plant performance
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack., but it may be necessary to prevent this plant from spreading to unwanted areas. We recommend cutting the grass to the ground level in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Removing older leaves from the base of the plant can also be done periodically to promote new growth and a tidier appearance.
Propagation of Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack.
Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. can be propagated through division, seeds, and cuttings. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method depends on the availability of resources and the desired outcome.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is the easiest and most common method for propagating Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. This is done by dividing the plant clumps into smaller pieces and planting them separately. The best time to do this is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing, typically in the spring.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is another method for propagating Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. Collect the seeds when the inflorescences are mature and the spikelets have turned brown. You can sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix, and place the pot in a shaded area. The seeds should germinate within 10 to 14 days.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a less common method for propagating Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. This method works best if you have access to a mature plant, and works best with semi-hardwood cuttings. Take a 10cm long cutting from the plant and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in soil. Keep the cutting moist and in a shaded area until roots develop, which should take around 8 weeks.
Disease Management
The Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. plant is susceptible to several diseases, with some of the most common being:
- Rust disease: This is a fungal disease characterized by rusty brown spots on the leaves. To manage rust disease, the affected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the surrounding area should be kept free of debris. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This is also a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to appear on the foliage of the plants. Powdery mildew can be controlled by removing the affected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by brown patches on the leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, the affected plants should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides may also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil drains well. If the disease is already present, remove the affected plants and improve the drainage around the area.
Pest Management
The Arthraxon microphyllus (Trin.) Hochst. var. lancifolius (Trin.) Hack. plant is also susceptible to several pests, and some of the most common ones are:
- Aphids: These pests are small and green and feed on the sap of the plant. To control aphids, they should be washed off the plant with a soap solution, and insecticide may be used as a last resort.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see but can be identified by the fine webbing they leave on the plant. To control spider mites, the affected plant should be sprayed with an insecticide or washed with a soap solution.
- Scale insects: These pests are small and brown and feed on the sap of the plant. To control scale insects, they should be removed from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or an insecticide. Pruning may also be necessary for severe infestations.
- Caterpillars: These pests cause damage by chewing on the foliage of the plant. To control caterpillars, they should be removed by hand or sprayed with an insecticide.
