Dallis grass Plant Care
Paspalum dilatatum Poir.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Paspalum dilatatum is a species of grass known by the common name dallisgrass, Dallas grass, or sticky heads. It is native to Brazil and Argentina, but it is known throughout the world as an introduced species and at times a common weed.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dallis grass?
Water Dallis 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. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Dallis grass?
Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Paspalum genus. Dallis grass is native to Brazil and Argentina. Dallis grass is also known as Paspalum, Water couch, Hairy water-grass.
Dallis grass displays an upright, spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dallis grass produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dallis grass?
Paspalum dilatatum 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 Dallis grass Need?
Dallis grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dallis grass Prefer?
Paspalum dilatatum grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Dallis grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dallis grass?
Well-draining sandy loam soil. Good drainage is essential for Dallis grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dallis grass?
Feed Dallis 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 Dallis grass?
Divide clumps 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 Dallis grass?
Dallis grass can be propagated through seeds, division.
Is the Dallis grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dallis 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 Dallis grass?
Dallis grass is susceptible to grasshoppers, cutworms, 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 Dallis grass Need?
Dallis grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dallis grass is native to Brazil and Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Dallis grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Dallis 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 Paspalum genus (family Poaceae) — search all Paspalum species in the plant lookup.
Dallis 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: Paspalum dilatatum Poir., family Poaceae (first published in Encycl. 5: 35 (1804)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dallis 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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