Photo: Scott W. GavinsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Philippine hairgrass Plant Care
Eleocharis philippinensis Svenson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is characterized by its grass-like stems and bright green color. Originally from the Philippines, Eleocharis philippinensis is sought after by plant collectors for its exotic origin and striking appearance, adding a touch of tropical flair to any collection.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Philippine hairgrass?
Water Philippine hairgrass every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Philippine hairgrass Native To?
What Is the Philippine hairgrass?
Philippine hairgrass (Eleocharis philippinensis) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Eleocharis genus. Philippine hairgrass is native to Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and parts of northern Australia and southern China. Philippine hairgrass is also known as Philippine spikerush.
Philippine hairgrass displays a grass-like, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Philippine hairgrass produces inconspicuous small brown spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Philippine hairgrass?
Eleocharis philippinensis requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Philippine hairgrass Need?
Philippine hairgrass thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philippine hairgrass Prefer?
Eleocharis philippinensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Philippine hairgrass prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Philippine hairgrass?
Soggy, nutrient-rich soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Philippine hairgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Philippine hairgrass?
Feed Philippine hairgrass 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 Philippine hairgrass?
Divide and repot every 1-2 years in 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 Philippine hairgrass?
Philippine hairgrass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple spikerush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Philippine hairgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Philippine hairgrass, 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 Philippine hairgrass?
Philippine hairgrass is susceptible to 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 Philippine hairgrass Need?
Philippine hairgrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Philippine hairgrass is native to Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and parts of northern Australia and southern China. In cooler regions, grow Philippine hairgrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Philippine hairgrass 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 Eleocharis genus — compare its care with other Eleocharis species on PlantoScan.
Eleocharis is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
Philippine hairgrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eleocharis Species
Other Eleocharis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eleocharis philippinensis Svenson, family Cyperaceae (first published in Rhodora 31: 155 (1929)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Philippine hairgrass, 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: Scott W. Gavins, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, 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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