Black-grass Plant Care
Nardus stricta L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nardus is a genus of plants belonging to the grass family, containing the single species Nardus stricta, known as matgrass. It is placed in its own tribe Nardeae within the subfamily Pooideae.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Black-grass?
Water Black-grass 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity.
What Is the Black-grass?
Black-grass (Nardus stricta) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Nardus genus. Black-grass is also known as Mat-grass.
Black-grass displays a tall, dense grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Black-grass produces small, inconspicuous spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black-grass?
Nardus stricta 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 Black-grass Need?
Black-grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black-grass Prefer?
Nardus stricta grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Black-grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black-grass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Black-grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Black-grass?
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 Black-grass?
Black-grass can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Black-grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black-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 Black-grass?
Black-grass is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, 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 Black-grass Need?
Black-grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Black-grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Black-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 Nardus genus — compare its care with other Nardus species on PlantoScan.
Nardus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Black-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: Nardus stricta L., family Poaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 53 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black-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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