Overview
Oplismenus burmannii (Retz.) P.Beauv. var. lanatus (Buse) Backer is a species of plant in the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as basket grass, frog grass, and velvet grass.
Origin and Distribution
Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus is native to Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean islands, and parts of North America. It is widely distributed across tropical regions and can also be found in some temperate regions.
Uses
Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus is often used as a ground cover, particularly in shaded areas. It is also used for erosion control, as it has a shallow root system that helps to prevent soil from washing away. Additionally, it is used in some traditional medicines to treat various ailments such as fever and high blood pressure.
General Appearance
Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus is a low growing perennial grass. It has a creeping habit and can form mats that spread along the ground. The stems are thin and wiry, with short hairs on the upper surface. The leaves are oval-shaped, with pointed tips, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The inflorescence consists of several spikelets that are clustered together, with each spikelet containing several small flowers.
hereLight Requirements
Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus prefers moderate to low light levels. It can tolerate partial shade but grows best in shaded areas with reduced lighting. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 18 to 28°C. It is not cold-hardy and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. At temperatures below 15°C, growth slows down significantly. Excessively high temperatures can also stunt growth and cause leaf burn.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in various soil types, ranging from sandy to clay soils, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. The optimum soil pH range is between 5.5 to 7.5. Nutrient-rich soil promotes healthy growth and foliage.
Cultivation
Oplismenus burmannii (Retz.) P.Beauv. var. lanatus (Buse) Backer, commonly known as basketgrass, can be cultivated easily both indoors and outdoors. This plant does well in partial shade and prefers moist soil conditions. It can be grown in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets.
Watering Needs
Since basketgrass prefers moist soil, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering frequency will depend on your growing conditions, but it's recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely between waterings as this can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Fertilization
Basketgrass can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and lush foliage. Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. It's important not to over-fertilize as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning basketgrass is not usually necessary, but trimming back any damaged or dead foliage can help the plant maintain its appearance. Use a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears and cut the damaged or dead foliage back to the base of the plant. Regularly removing any yellow or brown leaves will not only improve the plant's appearance but also help prevent disease and infestations.
Propagation of Oplismenus Burmannii var. Lanatus
Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus, commonly known as basket grass or creeping beard grass, is a perennial plant that grows in wet and shady areas. It is an attractive groundcover due to its fine texture and green color.
There are two main propagation methods for basket grass, which are:
Division
The easiest way to propagate basket grass is through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has enough roots and stems to grow on its own. This can be done by digging up the plant and separating it into sections using a sharp knife or scissors. The sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil and watered regularly until established.
Seed Propagation
Basket grass can also be propagated through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in a seed-starting mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and watered regularly to keep the soil moist. The seedlings should be kept in a warm and bright location. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Disease Management
Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus is generally a healthy plant, but occasionally it can suffer from some diseases. One of the most common diseases affecting this plant is fungal leaf spot. The disease is characterized by small, dark, circular spots on the leaves, which can expand and merge together, leading to significant leaf damage. To manage this disease, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure to protect against future outbreaks of fungal leaf spot.
Another disease that can affect Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus is rust. This fungal disease causes yellow-orange pustules on the leaves, which will eventually turn brown and fall off. To manage rust, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Although Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus is relatively pest-resistant, there are a few pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common pests affecting this plant is the armyworm. These worms can quickly strip the entire blade of the leaves, leaving only the midrib. To manage armyworms, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. In severe cases, insecticides may be necessary.
Another pest that can affect Oplismenus burmannii var. lanatus is the spider mite. These tiny pests can cause the leaves to become speckled and discolored, and the infested plant may also have a fine webbing over its leaves. To manage spider mites, the affected foliage should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
