Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Mexican feather grass Plant Care
Nassella tenuissima (Trin.) Barkworth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its delicate, wispy green leaves that cascade gracefully, this plant originates from Argentina and Chile. Plant collectors are drawn to Nassella tenuissima for its beautiful ornamental grass-like appearance, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–90°F
30–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mexican feather grass?
Water Mexican feather grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 30–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mexican feather grass Native To?
What Is the Mexican feather grass?
Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Nassella genus. Mexican feather grass is native to the south-western United States, northern Mexico and Argentina. Mexican feather grass is also known as Fine-leaf nassella, Pasto fino.
Mexican feather grass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mexican feather grass produces small, inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mexican feather grass?
Nassella tenuissima 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 Mexican feather grass Need?
Mexican feather grass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mexican feather grass Prefer?
Nassella tenuissima grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Mexican feather grass prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
30–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mexican feather grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Mexican feather grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mexican feather grass?
Feed Mexican feather 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 Mexican feather grass?
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 Mexican feather grass?
Mexican feather grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nodding needlegrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mexican feather grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mexican feather 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 Mexican feather grass?
Mexican feather grass is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, cutworms. 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 Mexican feather grass Need?
Mexican feather grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mexican feather grass is native to the south-western United States, northern Mexico and Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Mexican feather grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Mexican feather 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 Nassella genus — compare its care with other Nassella species on PlantoScan.
Nassella is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Mexican feather grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Nassella Species
Other Nassella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nassella tenuissima (Trin.) Barkworth, family Poaceae (first published in Taxon 39(4): 612 (1990):.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mexican feather 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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