Bare bluestem Plant Care
Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A.Camus
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bothriochloa pertusa is a species of grass. It is widely used as a fodder and a graze for livestock.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bare bluestem?
Water Bare bluestem every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity.
What Is the Bare bluestem?
Bare bluestem (Bothriochloa pertusa) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Bothriochloa genus. Bare bluestem is also known as Short spike bluestem.
Bare bluestem displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bare bluestem produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bare bluestem?
Bothriochloa pertusa 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 Bare bluestem Need?
Bare bluestem thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bare bluestem Prefer?
Bothriochloa pertusa grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Bare bluestem prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bare bluestem?
Well-draining sandy loam with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Bare bluestem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Bare bluestem?
Divide and replant clumps every 2-3 years. 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 Bare bluestem?
Bare bluestem can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow bluestem plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bare bluestem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bare bluestem, 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 Bare bluestem?
Bare bluestem is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, 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 Bare bluestem Need?
Bare bluestem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Bare bluestem as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Bare bluestem 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 Bothriochloa genus — compare its care with other Bothriochloa species on PlantoScan.
Bothriochloa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Bare bluestem thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Bothriochloa Species
Other Bothriochloa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A.Camus, family Poaceae (first published in Ann. Soc. Linn. Lyon sér. 2, 76: 164. 1931 [dt. 1930; publ. 1931]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bare bluestem, 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 13b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Bare bluestem Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species