Photo: Catherine C. GalleyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Digitaria californica Plant Care
Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henrard
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant green leaves that grow in dense clusters at the base, Digitaria californica is a native grass species originating from California. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique fountain-like shape, making it a popular choice for adding texture and movement to garden landscapes.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Digitaria californica?
Water Digitaria californica 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 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Digitaria californica Native To?
What Is the Digitaria californica?
Digitaria californica (Digitaria californica) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Digitaria genus. Digitaria californica is native to the Americas.
Digitaria californica displays an upright, spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Digitaria californica produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Digitaria californica?
Digitaria californica 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 Digitaria californica Need?
Digitaria californica thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Digitaria californica Prefer?
Digitaria californica grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Digitaria californica prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Digitaria californica?
Well-draining sandy loam with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Digitaria californica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Digitaria californica?
Feed Digitaria californica 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 Digitaria californica?
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 Digitaria californica?
Digitaria californica can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tropical crabsgrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Digitaria californica Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Digitaria californica, 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 Digitaria californica?
Digitaria californica is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, armyworms. 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 Digitaria californica Need?
Digitaria californica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7b. Digitaria californica is native to the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Digitaria californica 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 Digitaria genus — compare its care with other Digitaria species on PlantoScan.
Digitaria is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Digitaria californica thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Digitaria Species
Other Digitaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henrard, family Poaceae (first published in Blumea 1: 99 (1934)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Digitaria californica, 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.
- Photo: Catherine C. Galley, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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