Image: AI generated
Japanese Forest Grass Plant Care
Hakonechloa macra Makino
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hakonechloa is a genus of bunchgrass in the tribe Molinieae of the grass family, Poaceae, native to eastern Asia.
Every 3–7 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Japanese Forest Grass?
Water Japanese Forest Grass every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Japanese Forest Grass Native To?
What Is the Japanese Forest Grass?
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Hakonechloa genus. Japanese Forest Grass is native to eastern Asia. Japanese Forest Grass is also known as Hakone Grass.
Japanese Forest Grass displays a low mounding grass growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Japanese Forest Grass produces insignificant flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Japanese Forest Grass?
Hakonechloa macra requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Japanese Forest Grass Need?
Japanese Forest Grass thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–250 lux. Avoid placing Japanese Forest Grass in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
50–250 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Japanese Forest Grass Prefer?
Hakonechloa macra grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Japanese Forest Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Japanese Forest Grass?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Japanese Forest Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Japanese Forest Grass?
Feed Japanese Forest 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 Japanese Forest Grass?
Divide and replant 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 Japanese Forest Grass?
Japanese Forest Grass can be propagated through division, seed.
Is the Japanese Forest Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Japanese Forest 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 Japanese Forest Grass?
Japanese Forest Grass is susceptible to aphids, slugs. 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 Japanese Forest Grass Need?
Japanese Forest Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Japanese Forest Grass is native to eastern Asia. In cooler regions, grow Japanese Forest Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Japanese Forest 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 Hakonechloa genus — compare its care with other Hakonechloa species on PlantoScan.
Hakonechloa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Japanese Forest Grass copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hakonechloa macra Makino, family Poaceae (first published in J. Fac. Sci. Univ. Tokyo, Sect. 3, Bot. 3: 113 (1930)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Japanese Forest 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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