Zebra grass is not only a special eye-catcher in many gardens, but is also very easy to care for. Once planted in the ground, it is extremely undemanding. If the site conditions are right, the Chinese pond plant shows magnificent growth.
Do you have to fertilize zebra grass?
Application of fertilizer for zebra grass is not absolutely necessary if the location offers sufficient water and nutrients. However, growth can be promoted with additional fertilizer. A soil sample helps to determine the optimal pH value (4.6-5.7) and nutrient requirements.
Is adding fertilizer necessary?
Zebra grass is characterized, among other things, by its lush growth. If you choose a suitable location where the water and nutrient supply is guaranteed, fertilization is usually not necessary. However, your grass may then grow more slowly and not reach its maximum height. You can promote growth with additional fertilizer.
Nutrients and moisture are important
Zebra grass needs a lot of moisture and nutrients. Waterlogging must not occur. It's best to carry out soil samples at certain intervals using a test strip (€25.00 at Amazon) from the hardware store to check whether the plant is receiving sufficient nutrients. A pH value of 4.6-5.7 is optimal. If the values differ significantly, you should enrich the substrate with compost. The period of fertilizer application is limited to the growth phase. To ensure a balanced water balance, you even have to water your zebra grass every day on hot days. To prevent rapid evaporation, it is best to apply a layer of mulch to the soil. Ideally, you should plant your zebra grass near the pond. Here the plant not only creates a beautiful sight, as you often find in Chinese gardens, but also always has a source of water via its roots.
Attention: Zebra grass grows comparatively quickly. The grass not only reaches a considerable height, but also spreads extensively in a short period of time. So be careful when giving nutrients. If you are too careful with fertilizing, you will soon no longer be able to stop the rapid spread of the plant.
