Photo: Nathan AaronCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hairyseed Paspalum Plant Care
Paspalum pubiflorum Rupr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking tufts of soft, hairy flowers that resemble a tiny broom, this plant originates from the grasslands of South America. A favorite among plant collectors for its unique and unusual floral display, Paspalum pubiflorum adds a touch of whimsy and charm to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairyseed Paspalum?
Water Hairyseed Paspalum 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.
Where Is the Hairyseed Paspalum Native To?
What Is the Hairyseed Paspalum?
Hairyseed Paspalum (Paspalum pubiflorum) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Paspalum genus. Hairyseed Paspalum is native to warmer, wetter parts of United States east of the Rockies, Mexico, and Cuba.
Hairyseed Paspalum displays an upright, spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hairyseed Paspalum produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairyseed Paspalum?
Paspalum pubiflorum 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 Hairyseed Paspalum Need?
Hairyseed Paspalum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairyseed Paspalum Prefer?
Paspalum pubiflorum grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Hairyseed Paspalum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairyseed Paspalum?
Well-draining sandy loam soil. Good drainage is essential for Hairyseed Paspalum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairyseed Paspalum?
Feed Hairyseed Paspalum 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 Hairyseed Paspalum?
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 Hairyseed Paspalum?
Hairyseed Paspalum can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to seashore paspalum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairyseed Paspalum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairyseed Paspalum, 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 Hairyseed Paspalum?
Hairyseed Paspalum 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 Hairyseed Paspalum Need?
Hairyseed Paspalum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Hairyseed Paspalum is native to warmer, wetter parts of United States east of the Rockies, Mexico, and Cuba.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hairyseed Paspalum 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 — compare its care with other Paspalum species on PlantoScan.
Paspalum is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Hairyseed Paspalum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Paspalum Species
Other Paspalum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Paspalum pubiflorum Rupr., family Poaceae (first published in Mexic. Pl. 2: 11 (1886)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairyseed Paspalum, 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: Nathan Aaron, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 10b, 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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