Scutachne dura Plant Care
Scutachne dura Hitchc. & Chase
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Scutachne is a genus of plants in the grass family Poaceae. The only known species is Scutachne dura, it is native to Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scutachne dura?
Water Scutachne dura every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Scutachne dura?
Scutachne dura (Scutachne dura) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Scutachne genus. Scutachne dura is native to Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.
Scutachne dura displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Scutachne dura produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scutachne dura?
Scutachne dura requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scutachne dura Need?
Scutachne dura thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scutachne dura Prefer?
Scutachne dura grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Scutachne dura prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scutachne dura?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Scutachne dura to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scutachne dura?
Feed Scutachne dura every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Scutachne dura?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Scutachne dura?
Scutachne dura can be propagated through division, seed.
Is the Scutachne dura Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scutachne dura, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scutachne dura?
Scutachne dura is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scutachne dura Need?
Scutachne dura grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Scutachne dura is native to Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. In cooler regions, grow Scutachne dura as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Scutachne dura is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Scutachne genus — compare its care with other Scutachne species on PlantoScan.
Scutachne is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Scutachne dura thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Scutachne dura Hitchc. & Chase, family Poaceae (first published in Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 24: 149 (1911)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scutachne dura, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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