Image: AI generated
Andean yellow-eyed grass Plant Care
Xyris andina Malme
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant yellow star-shaped flowers, Xyris andina is native to the high Andes of South America. This unique plant is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in high-altitude environments.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Water Andean yellow-eyed grass every 3–5 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Andean yellow-eyed grass Native To?
What Is the Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Andean yellow-eyed grass (Xyris andina) belongs to the Xyridaceae family within the Xyris genus. Andean yellow-eyed grass is native to Ecuador.
Andean yellow-eyed grass displays a grass-like perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Andean yellow-eyed grass produces small yellow flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Xyris andina requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Andean yellow-eyed grass Need?
Andean yellow-eyed grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Andean yellow-eyed grass Prefer?
Xyris andina grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Andean yellow-eyed grass prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Sandy, acidic soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Andean yellow-eyed grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Feed Andean yellow-eyed grass every 6 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 6 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 Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Andean yellow-eyed grass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ambiguous yellow-eyed grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Andean yellow-eyed grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Andean yellow-eyed 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 Andean yellow-eyed grass?
Andean yellow-eyed grass is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Andean yellow-eyed grass Need?
Andean yellow-eyed grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Andean yellow-eyed grass is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Andean yellow-eyed grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Andean yellow-eyed 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 Xyris genus — compare its care with other Xyris species on PlantoScan.
Xyris is part of the Xyridaceae plant family — browse all Xyridaceae genera and species.
Andean yellow-eyed grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Xyris Species
Other Xyris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Xyris andina Malme, family Xyridaceae (first published in Ark. Bot. 13(3): 46 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Andean yellow-eyed 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- 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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