Origin
Merxmuellera arundinacea (P.J.Bergius) Conert, commonly known as Bamboo grass, is a native plant of South Africa. It is a member of the Poaceae family, which is also known as the grass family.
Common Names
Besides the common name, Bamboo grass, Merxmuellera arundinacea goes by other names as well, including Cascading bamboo, Cane bamboo, and River bamboo.
Uses
Bamboo grass is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance, which features long, slender, and graceful culms that bow down with the weight of the foliage. The plant is often used in landscaping to create an exotic or tropical look in gardens, patios, or pool areas.
Bamboo grass is also known for its ability to filter the air. It is considered a natural air purifier as it can absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene. Therefore, it can be placed indoors to improve air quality.
General Appearance
Merxmuellera arundinacea is a perennial grass that grows up to 3m (10ft) tall. The plant has a clumping habit and features long, slender, and gracefully arching culms that grow from a thick rhizome. The culms are green when young and become light brown as they age. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, up to 15cm (6in) long, and are arranged alternately along the stems. The plant produces dense spikes of small flowers that are followed by small fruits.
hereLight Requirements
Merxmuellera arundinacea typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate full shade but may not grow as vigorously. In partial shade, it may have a more open habit and weaker growth compared to plants grown in full sun.
Temperature Range
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Merxmuellera arundinacea is between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius and as high as 40 degrees Celsius, but extreme temperatures can affect growth and survival of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Merxmuellera arundinacea prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is suitable for this plant. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay loam, but it may not grow well in soils that are poorly drained or waterlogged. In addition, this plant has low salt tolerance and may be affected by saline soils.
Cultivation
Merxmuellera arundinacea requires well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in moist or wet soils and is adaptable to a variety of soil types. The plant needs to be protected from cold weather, so it should be planted in early spring or fall.
Watering needs
Merxmuellera arundinacea needs to be watered frequently, especially during dry spells. The soil should be kept constantly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering may cause root rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Merxmuellera arundinacea benefits from an annual application of a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring. Fertilizer should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and watered in thoroughly after application. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Merxmuellera arundinacea should be pruned back in the fall after the growing season has ended. The plant can be cut back by half to promote a more compact growth habit and better flowering the following season. Dead or damaged stems can be pruned at any time throughout the year.
Propagation of Merxmuellera arundinacea
Merxmuellera arundinacea, also known as tall sedges, is an ornamental grass that is commonly propagated through division.
Division
Division is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. The clumps are carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden fork. Each divided section should have at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. The sections are then replanted in well-draining soil and watered thoroughly.
Seed Propagation
Merxmuellera arundinacea can also be propagated through seed, although this method is less common. The seeds should be sowed in a well-draining seed-raising mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take up to four weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Final Thoughts
Propagation of Merxmuellera arundinacea is relatively easy and can be done through division or seed propagation. Division is the preferred method, as it ensures that the new plants will have the same characteristics as the parent plant. Regardless of the method chosen, it's important to provide the new plants with adequate water and nutrients to ensure optimal growth.
Disease Management
Merxmuellera arundinacea is susceptible to a number of diseases including rust, leaf and shoot blight, and powdery mildew.
Rust: Rust can cause small orange pustules on the leaves, and can be controlled by removing infected leaves and keeping the plant well-watered and fertilized. Fungicides may also be used in severe cases.
Leaf and shoot blight: Leaf and shoot blight can cause necrotic lesions on the leaves and stems, and can be controlled by removing infected plant parts and practicing good sanitation. Fungicides may also be used if necessary.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew can be identified by the white powdery growth on the leaves and can be controlled through good sanitation practices and the use of fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Merxmuellera arundinacea is generally resistant to pests, but it can be affected by grasshoppers and spider mites.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can cause extensive damage to the leaves and stems, and can be controlled by handpicking or by using insecticides.
Spider mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant. They can be controlled by pruning infected plant parts and using insecticides if necessary.
