Photo: Chris HughesCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Blue-eyed Grass Plant Care
Sisyrinchium micranthum Cav.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is commonly known for its vibrant blue flowers that resemble miniature irises. Originating from South America, Sisyrinchium micranthum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate appearance and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Blue-eyed Grass?
Water Blue-eyed Grass every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Blue-eyed Grass Native To?
What Is the Blue-eyed Grass?
Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium micranthum) belongs to the Iridaceae family within the Sisyrinchium genus. Blue-eyed Grass is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America and widely naturalized else. Blue-eyed Grass is also known as Purple-eyed Grass, Small-flowered Blue-eyed Grass.
Blue-eyed Grass displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Blue-eyed Grass produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Blue-eyed Grass?
Sisyrinchium micranthum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Blue-eyed Grass Need?
Blue-eyed Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blue-eyed Grass Prefer?
Sisyrinchium micranthum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Blue-eyed Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blue-eyed Grass?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Blue-eyed Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Blue-eyed Grass?
Feed Blue-eyed Grass every 6 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 6 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 Blue-eyed Grass?
Divide and repot 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 Blue-eyed Grass?
Blue-eyed Grass can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bermuda blue-eyed grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Blue-eyed Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Blue-eyed 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 Blue-eyed Grass?
Blue-eyed Grass is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. 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 Blue-eyed Grass Need?
Blue-eyed Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Blue-eyed Grass is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America and widely naturalized else.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Blue-eyed 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 Sisyrinchium genus — compare its care with other Sisyrinchium species on PlantoScan.
Sisyrinchium is part of the Iridaceae plant family — browse all Iridaceae genera and species.
Blue-eyed Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sisyrinchium Species
Other Sisyrinchium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sisyrinchium micranthum Cav., family Iridaceae (first published in Diss. 6: 345 (1788)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Blue-eyed 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.
- Photo: Chris Hughes, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Blue-eyed Grass Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species