Photo: Bonnie SemmlingCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Manatee Grass Plant Care
Syringodium filiforme Kütz.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, thin, bright green leaves give it a unique appearance that resembles flowing water. Originating from the Caribbean and Florida, Syringodium filiforme is a sought-after addition to collections due to its ability to thrive in saltwater environments, making it perfect for coastal gardens and aquariums.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
70–85°F
70–90%
At a glance
How do you care for Manatee Grass?
Water Manatee 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 70–85°F (21–29°C) and 70–90% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Manatee Grass?
Manatee Grass (Syringodium filiforme) belongs to the Cymodoceaceae family within the Syringodium genus. Manatee Grass is native to the Bahamas and Bermuda. Manatee Grass is also known as Caribbean Manatee Grass.
Manatee Grass displays a spreading, mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Manatee Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Manatee Grass?
Syringodium filiforme 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 Manatee Grass Need?
Manatee Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Manatee Grass Prefer?
Syringodium filiforme grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Manatee Grass prefers humidity levels of 70–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–85°F
Humidity
70–90%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Manatee Grass?
Sandy, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Manatee Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Manatee Grass?
Feed Manatee Grass every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Manatee Grass?
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 Manatee Grass?
Manatee Grass can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dwarf eelgrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Manatee Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Manatee 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 Manatee Grass?
Manatee Grass is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, whiteflies. 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 Manatee Grass Need?
Manatee Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Manatee Grass is native to the Bahamas and Bermuda. In cooler regions, grow Manatee Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Manatee 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 Syringodium genus — compare its care with other Syringodium species on PlantoScan.
Syringodium is part of the Cymodoceaceae plant family — browse all Cymodoceaceae genera and species.
Manatee 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: Syringodium filiforme Kütz., family Cymodoceaceae (first published in Alg. Mar. Exsicc. 9: 426 (1860)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Manatee 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: Bonnie Semmling, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 12b, 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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