Photo: Bastian Greshake TzovarasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hairy Tricolor Grass Plant Care
Trichloris crinita (Lag.) Parodi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its slender, wiry leaves that form dense tufts, this plant from South America adds unique texture to any garden. Plant collectors are drawn to Trichloris crinita for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, making it a versatile addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Water Hairy Tricolor 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hairy Tricolor Grass Native To?
What Is the Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Hairy Tricolor Grass (Trichloris crinita) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Trichloris genus. Hairy Tricolor Grass is native to the Americas.
Hairy Tricolor Grass displays a low-growing spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hairy Tricolor Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers on spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Trichloris crinita 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 Hairy Tricolor Grass Need?
Hairy Tricolor Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Tricolor Grass Prefer?
Trichloris crinita grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Hairy Tricolor Grass prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Tricolor Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Feed Hairy Tricolor Grass 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 Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Divide and replant 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 Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Hairy Tricolor Grass can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Hairy Tricolor Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Tricolor 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 Hairy Tricolor Grass?
Hairy Tricolor Grass is susceptible to grasshoppers, cutworms, aphids. 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 Hairy Tricolor Grass Need?
Hairy Tricolor Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Hairy Tricolor Grass is native to the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Tricolor 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 Trichloris genus — compare its care with other Trichloris species on PlantoScan.
Trichloris is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Hairy Tricolor 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: Trichloris crinita (Lag.) Parodi, family Poaceae (first published in Revista Argent. Agron. 14: 63 (1947)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Tricolor 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: Bastian Greshake Tzovaras, 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.
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