Overview
Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) Roem. & Schult. is a perennial, rhizomatous grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as wavyleaf basketgrass and is native to North and South America.
Appearance
The plant has elongated, narrow leaves that are slightly serrated and grow up to 5-6 inches long. The leaves are green with a slight blue tinge and have a distinctive wave-like pattern that gives the grass its name. Wavyleaf basketgrass grows up to 50cm in height and forms clumps with spiked flowers that appear in late summer.
Uses
The wavyleaf basketgrass is attractive and can be used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. It is also used for soil stabilization purposes in wetland areas and other similar habitats. Livestock, especially grazing animals, consume the grass but in moderation as it is not their preferred forage.
Common Names
Wavyleaf basketgrass is known by several common names such as basket grass, sourgrass, wavyleaf grass, and wavyleaf basket grass.
hereLight Requirements
Oplismenus undulatifolius can tolerate partial shade to full shade, making it an excellent option for indoor spaces or areas with limited sunlight. It prefers a light intensity of 800-1000 fc (foot candles) in indoor settings, while it can grow in as little as 70 fc in shaded areas outdoors.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, ideally from 20-28°C (68-82°F). Oplismenus undulatifolius will tolerate low temperatures down to 12°C (54°F). In general, this plant can grow in both warm and cool environments.
Soil Requirements
Oplismenus undulatifolius is not particular about soil type. It can grow in a variety of soils as long as they are well-draining. A potting mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts will ensure adequate drainage. Ideally, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and should never be allowed to dry out completely. The recommended pH range is between 5.5 and 7.5.
Cultivation methods for Oplismenus undulatifolius
Oplismenus undulatifolius can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant can be propagated by planting seeds or by dividing the clumps of the plant.
Watering needs for Oplismenus undulatifolius
This plant prefers moist soil, but over-watering can lead to root rot. A general rule is to water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. During the warmer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, while during the cooler months it may require less frequent watering.
Fertilization for Oplismenus undulatifolius
To maintain the plant's health and encourage growth, it should be fertilized once or twice a year, in the spring and/or fall. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used. Alternatively, an organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be used.
Pruning for Oplismenus undulatifolius
Pruning should be done regularly to maintain the plant's shape and size. Dead leaves and stems should be removed, as well as any diseased or damaged parts of the plant. The plant benefits from a rejuvenation pruning every few years, where the entire plant is cut back to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Oplismenus undulatifolius
Oplismenus undulatifolius (also known as wavyleaf basketgrass) is a popular ornamental plant that can be propagated using several different methods, including:
Division
Division of existing plants is the easiest and most common way to propagate Oplismenus undulatifolius. This can be done by dividing a clump of the plant into smaller sections and planting the sections individually. It is best to do this in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing.
Seeds
Seeds can also be used to propagate Oplismenus undulatifolius. The seeds should be collected from mature plants in the fall and planted immediately. They should be planted in well-draining soil and kept consistently moist. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the stems of Oplismenus undulatifolius plants and rooted in soil or water. Cuttings can be taken at any time of the year, but it is best to take them in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be approximately 6 inches in length and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Once planted, the cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until they have rooted.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Oplismenus undulatifolius is leaf spot, which can be caused by different fungi like Bipolaris, Exserohilum, and Curvularia. Leaf spot can be managed through proper cultural practices like pruning infected plant parts, avoiding wetting the plant foliage, and promoting good air circulation around the plant. Additionally, fungicides can be used to control severe leaf spot infections.
Fusarium wilt is another disease that can infect O. undulatifolius. It is caused by fungus of the Fusarium genus, and it causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. Management of Fusarium wilt involves the use of resistant cultivars, proper sanitation practices, and soil solarization to kill off the pathogens.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that attack O. undulatifolius is the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), which feeds on plant foliage and can cause significant damage to the plant. Management of fall armyworm can be achieved through the use of insecticides, installing pheromone traps to trap the moths, and introducing parasitic wasps that can kill off the larvae.
Another pest that can attack O. undulatifolius is the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), which feeds on plant sap and can spread viruses. Whiteflies can be controlled through the use of insecticides, introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and sticky traps that can help capture the flies.
