Image: AI generated
Hawaiian Hairgrass Plant Care
Pilopogon hawaiicus (Müll.Hal.) Broth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pilopogon hawaiicus is a unique grass species known for its fine, hair-like leaves that create a delicate and graceful appearance. Originating from the lush landscapes of Hawaii, this plant thrives in tropical environments and is prized by plant enthusiasts for its elegant foliage.
Every 3–7 days
Low to medium indirect light
70–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Water Hawaiian Hairgrass every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Hawaiian Hairgrass (Pilopogon hawaiicus) belongs to the Leucobryaceae family within the Pilopogon genus. Hawaiian Hairgrass is native to Hawaii. Hawaiian Hairgrass is also known as Pilopogon Grass.
Hawaiian Hairgrass displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hawaiian Hairgrass produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Pilopogon hawaiicus 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 Hawaiian Hairgrass Need?
Hawaiian Hairgrass thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Hawaiian Hairgrass in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hawaiian Hairgrass Prefer?
Pilopogon hawaiicus grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Hawaiian Hairgrass prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Hawaiian Hairgrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Feed Hawaiian Hairgrass every 2 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 2 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 Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Repot every 1-2 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 Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Hawaiian Hairgrass can be propagated through spores, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pilopogon aemulans plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hawaiian Hairgrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hawaiian Hairgrass, 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 Hawaiian Hairgrass?
Hawaiian Hairgrass is susceptible to fungal infections, mites. 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
Hawaiian Hairgrass 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 Pilopogon genus — compare its care with other Pilopogon species on PlantoScan.
Pilopogon is part of the Leucobryaceae plant family — browse all Leucobryaceae genera and species.
Hawaiian Hairgrass 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: Pilopogon hawaiicus (Müll.Hal.) Broth., family Leucobryaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. I(3): 336 1901) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hawaiian Hairgrass, 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).
- 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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