African Star Grass Plant Care
Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cynodon nlemfuensis, the African Bermuda-grass, is a species of grass, genus Cynodon, family Poaceae. It is native to Tropical Africa except West Africa, and widely introduced as a forage elsewhere; Hawaii, Texas, Florida, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, South America, western and southern Africa, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the Philippines and Australia.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African Star Grass?
Water African Star Grass every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the African Star Grass Native To?
What Is the African Star Grass?
African Star Grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Cynodon genus. African Star Grass is native to Tropical Africa except West Africa, and widely introduced as a forage else. African Star Grass is also known as Nlemfu Grass.
African Star Grass displays a low mat-forming groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African Star Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Star Grass?
Cynodon nlemfuensis requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African Star Grass Need?
African Star Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Star Grass Prefer?
Cynodon nlemfuensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. African Star Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Star Grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for African Star Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Star Grass?
Feed African Star Grass every 8 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 8 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 African Star Grass?
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 African Star Grass?
African Star Grass can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bermuda grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Star Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Star Grass, 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 African Star Grass?
African Star Grass is susceptible to occasional issues with aphids, spider mites. 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 African Star Grass Need?
African Star Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African Star Grass is native to Tropical Africa except West Africa, and widely introduced as a forage else. In cooler regions, grow African Star Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
African Star Grass 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 Cynodon genus — compare its care with other Cynodon species on PlantoScan.
Cynodon is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
African Star Grass 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: Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst, family Poaceae (first published in Bull. Agric. Congo Belge 13: 342 (1922)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Star Grass, 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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