Natal redtop Plant Care
Melinis amethystea (Franch.) Zizka
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's vibrant purple-pink inflorescences are its most distinctive visual feature, adding a pop of color to any garden. Originating from South Africa, Melinis amethystea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and striking appearance that stands out among other grasses.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Natal redtop?
Water Natal redtop 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Natal redtop?
Natal redtop (Melinis amethystea) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Melinis genus. Natal redtop is native to South Africa. Natal redtop is also known as Natal grass.
Natal redtop displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Natal redtop produces small spikelets in pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Natal redtop?
Melinis amethystea 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 Natal redtop Need?
Natal redtop thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Natal redtop Prefer?
Melinis amethystea grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Natal redtop prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Natal redtop?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Natal redtop to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Natal redtop?
Feed Natal redtop every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Natal redtop?
Divide clumps 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 Natal redtop?
Natal redtop can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to molasses grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Natal redtop Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Natal redtop, 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 Natal redtop?
Natal redtop is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Natal redtop 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 Melinis genus — compare its care with other Melinis species on PlantoScan.
Melinis is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Natal redtop thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Melinis Species
Other Melinis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Melinis amethystea (Franch.) Zizka, family Poaceae (first published in Biblioth. Bot. 38(138): 116 (1988)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Natal redtop, 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.
- 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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