Desert Grass Plant Care
Lasiurus scindicus Henrard
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lasiurus is a genus of Asian and African plants in the grass family, Poaceae, found primarily in arid regions. The only known species is Lasiurus scindicus, native to drier regions of northern Africa and southwestern Asia, from Mali, Morocco, and the Levant, all the way to India.formerly included
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Desert Grass?
Water Desert 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Desert Grass Native To?
What Is the Desert Grass?
Desert Grass (Lasiurus scindicus) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Lasiurus genus. Desert Grass is native to drier regions of northern Africa and southwestern Asia, from Mali, Morocco, and the Levant, all the way to India.
Desert Grass displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Desert Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Desert Grass?
Lasiurus scindicus 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 Desert Grass Need?
Desert Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Desert Grass Prefer?
Lasiurus scindicus grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Desert Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Desert Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Desert Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Desert Grass?
Feed Desert 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 Desert 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 Desert Grass?
Desert Grass can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Desert Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Desert 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 Desert Grass?
Desert Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, 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 Desert Grass Need?
Desert Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Desert Grass is native to drier regions of northern Africa and southwestern Asia, from Mali, Morocco, and the Levant, all the way to India. In cooler regions, grow Desert Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Desert 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 Lasiurus genus — compare its care with other Lasiurus species on PlantoScan.
Lasiurus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Desert 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: Lasiurus scindicus Henrard, family Poaceae (first published in Blumea 4: 514 (1941)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Desert 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.
- 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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