Spike Grass Plant Care
Uniola condensata Hitchc.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Uniola condensata is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is found only in Ecuador.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spike Grass?
Water Spike 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.
What Is the Spike Grass?
Spike Grass (Uniola condensata) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Uniola genus. Spike Grass is also known as Sea Oats.
Spike Grass displays a tall, grassy clumps growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Spike Grass produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spike Grass?
Uniola condensata 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 Spike Grass Need?
Spike Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spike Grass Prefer?
Uniola condensata grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Spike Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spike Grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Spike Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spike Grass?
Feed Spike 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 Spike 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 Spike Grass?
Spike Grass can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Spike Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spike 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 Spike Grass?
Spike 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 Spike Grass Need?
Spike Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Spike Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Spike 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 Uniola genus — compare its care with other Uniola species on PlantoScan.
Uniola is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Spike 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: Uniola condensata Hitchc., family Poaceae (first published in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 24: 345 (1927)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spike 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Spike 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