Introduction
Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is widely used in landscaping due to its durable and dense turf, making it an excellent choice for lawns, golf courses, and parks.
Origin and Common Names
Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki is native to East Asia, specifically China, Japan, and Vietnam. It commonly goes by the name of Korean velvet grass, Korean lawngrass, or Mascarene grass.
General Appearance and Characteristics
Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki is a warm-season grass species that can grow up to 30-40 cm tall with a fine texture. The blades are narrow and short, ranging from 2-5 cm long and 1-2 mm wide, giving them a luscious velvet texture. The blades have a shiny, dark-green color and a slightly rolled-up margin, and they can withstand heavy foot traffic. This grass species can spread through short rhizomes that grow underground, making it an excellent choice for areas requiring erosion control. It is also drought and salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal regions.
Uses
Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki has several uses. Due to its density and durability, it is widely used as a turfgrass in lawns, parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. It can also be used as a ground cover for erosion control in coastal regions. Additionally, it is used for grazing by livestock due to its palatability and nutritional content.
Conclusion
Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki is a versatile plant species that can be utilized for lawns, soil conservation, and grazing by livestock. Its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, drought, and salt makes it an excellent choice in coastal regions. Its velvet texture and shiny dark-green color add visual appeal to landscapes and parks, making it a popular choice for landscaping.
Light Requirements
Zoysia matrella var. tenuifolia requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It cannot tolerate heavy shade and will not grow well in shaded areas. Therefore, it is best suited for locations that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Zoysia matrella var. tenuifolia is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot and humid temperatures. It grows best when temperatures range between 80-95°F (27-35°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15.5°C) can cause the grass to go dormant or even die. Thus, it is not recommended to grow this grass variety in regions that experience cold winters or extended periods of frost.
Soil Requirements
Zoysia matrella var. tenuifolia prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. This grass variety is not drought-tolerant and requires regular watering during periods of extended dryness. Therefore, it is best to grow Zoysia matrella var. tenuifolia in areas with a consistent water supply or where irrigation systems can be installed.
Cultivation Methods
Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki, commonly known as Korean velvet grass or temple grass, is commonly grown in warm and humid regions with acidic soil. It is propagated through seeds, sod, or plugs, and requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, as well as moderate sunlight exposure. This grass is capable of enduring droughts and can grow in both sandy and clay soils, but it grows best under moderate watering conditions.
Watering Needs
While Zoysia matrella is capable of withstanding droughts, it must be watered regularly to avoid wilting and other signs of stress. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, and the soil should be allowed to dry before the next watering period. The frequency and amount of water required will vary based on the climate, soil type, and overall growth needs of the grass. Generally, one to two inches of water per week should suffice, but this may change depending on the location of the grass. It is advised that you allow the grass to grow to a height of 2 to 3 inches before the first watering period.
Fertilization
Zoysia matrella needs regular fertilization to retain its lush green color and maintain healthy growth. A slow-release fertilizer such as a 16-4-8 or 15-5-10 mix should be applied once every two months during the growing season. This will provide the essential nutrients that the grass needs to thrive. However, you should avoid over-fertilization, as this can cause thatch buildup and other health problems. Testing of the soil to know which nutrient(s) to add to it will be beneficial in the fertilization process.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential maintenance process for Zoysia matrella. It is recommended that the grass be trimmed to a height of approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. This height should be maintained throughout the growing season to ensure optimal growth and appearance. While you can use hand pruners or shears for small patches, a lawn mower is preferable for larger areas. Ensure that the mower blades are sharp to avoid ripping or tearing the grass blades, which can result in damage and unhealthy growth. Proper pruning ensures that the grass stays healthy and attractive throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki
Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. tenuifolia (Willd. ex Thiele) Sasaki, commonly known as Korean velvet grass, is a warm-season grass that spreads through stolons and rhizomes. It is a highly preferred turfgrass for its fine texture and attractive appearance. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including division, sodding, and seeding.
Division
The most common method of propagating Zoysia matrella is through division. In this method, the clumps of the plant are carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section must have enough roots and shoots to establish a new plant. These sections are then transplanted into appropriately prepared soil, where they will establish quickly and start growing.
Sodding
Sodding is another popular method of propagating Zoysia matrella. It involves harvesting small squares or rolls of sod that contain sections of the plant's stolons and rhizomes along with the soil in which they are growing. These sod pieces are then transplanted onto appropriately prepared soil, where they will establish and start growing.
Seeding
Propagation of Zoysia matrella through seeding is less common and requires substantially more care and attention. The seeds must be planted in a well-prepared seedbed and kept moist until they germinate and establish. This method requires adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to ensure a successful outcome.
Propagation of Zoysia matrella can be an easy and straightforward process, provided that the right method is chosen, the right growing conditions are provided, and proper care is taken after planting.
Disease Management
Zoysia matrella is generally a hardy plant, but it can still fall prey to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
Brown Patch: It is a fungal disease that infects the leaves of Zoysia matrella, causing them to turn brown and eventually die. Over-fertilization, irrigation, and drought stress can contribute to this disease. To manage brown patch, it is important to avoid overwatering, fertilizing, and creating humid conditions that promote fungal growth. Fungicides can also be applied preventatively or curatively to manage the disease. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as raised orange pustules on the leaves of Zoysia matrella. This disease tends to affect the plant during periods of high humidity and cool temperatures. To manage rust, it is important to keep foliage dry and reduce humidity around the Zoysia matrella plant. Leaf spot: It appears as small, brown, sunken spots on Zoysia matrella’s leaves. It is a fungal disease and can be controlled by applying fungicides when you see the spots first appearing. Watering the grass from below the foliage rather than from above can also help reduce leaf spot.Pest Management
While Zoysia matrella is not usually plagued with pests like other garden plants, it can still fall victim to certain pests. Here are some of the most common ones:
Sod webworms: These caterpillars feed on the leaves of Zoysia matrella, creating patches of dead grass. They can be managed by applying insecticides to the lawn following the product’s label instructions. Grubs: These beetle larvae also feed on the roots of Zoysia matrella, causing your lawn to thin out or die. You can detect the grubs by pulling up small pieces of grass during the winter season. If you notice any grubs, apply insecticide in the spring following label instructions. Mole Crickets: These are insects with wings that are found in the soil. They feed on the roots, causing dead patches of grass in your lawns. They can be controlled by applying insecticides, but it is essential to follow the label instructions.As always, following good lawn care practices such as regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing can help prevent pest infestations and disease outbreaks on Zoysia matrella.
