How to Grow Basket Grass Plants Indoors

With their graceful, cascading foliage, basket grass plants make excellent indoor houseplants Growing basket grass indoors requires carefully replicating the warm, humid, and bright conditions of their tropical origins Follow these tips to successfully grow lush, healthy basket grass plants inside your home.

Choosing a Basket Grass Variety

There are a few different varieties of basket grass to choose from:

• Ophiopogon japonicus – Also called mondo grass it has short dark green grass-like leaves. Grows 6-12 inches tall.

• Ophiopogon jaburan – Known as foxtail grass, it has slightly wider curly foliage. Reaches 1-2 feet tall.

• Liriope spicata – Very fine, limp leaves give a true grass appearance. Grows to 8 inches tall. Fast growing.

• Liriope muscari – Called lilyturf, it has thicker, stiffer leaves. Grows 12-18 inches tall. Slow growing.

For indoor growing, the smaller Ophiopogon varieties are best suited. Their compact size is ideal for containers. Liriope can work well too but may need more frequent trimming to control size.

Providing the Right Growing Conditions

To thrive indoors, basket grass requires:

• Bright Light – Place in a south facing window where plants get 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. West or east windows can work too with sheer curtains to filter light. Avoid north facing windows.

• High Humidity – Ideal humidity is 60-70%. Use a humidifier nearby or place pots on pebble trays. Mist leaves daily.

• Warm Temperatures – Basket grass grows best with temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from cold drafts.

• Air Circulation – Use fans to circulate air and prevent fungal disease.

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Basket grass thrives in a rich, well-draining potting mix. Look for a quality all-purpose potting soil with ingredients like peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and compost. Or make your own mix using:

• 2 parts peat moss or coco coir

• 1 part perlite or pumice

• 1 part compost or worm castings

Watering and Feeding Tips

• Water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Take care not to overwater.

• In winter when growth slows, allow soil to dry out a bit more between waterings.

• Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Don’t fertilize in winter.

• Occasionally flush the soil with clean water to prevent salt buildup.

Step-by-Step Growing Instructions

Follow these steps for successfully growing basket grass indoors:

1. Fill Container & Plant

Select a 6-8 inch diameter container with drainage holes. Fill 2/3rds with moistened potting mix. Remove plant from nursery pot, loosen roots, and plant at the same level it was growing before. Fill remaining space with mix.

2. Establish Location

Place basket grass in a warm, humid location with bright filtered or indirect light. South facing windows are ideal. Maintain 65-80°F temperatures.

3. Water Well

Water thoroughly after planting until excess drips from the drainage holes. This removes air pockets in the soil. Check soil daily and water again whenever top few inches become dry.

4. Fertilize & Mist

Begin fertilizing every 2-4 weeks and mist leaves daily for humidity. Wipe any accumulated dust off foliage to allow light reception.

5. Monitor Light

Assess light levels after a few weeks. If plants stretch or decline, move to a brighter location or provide supplemental lighting. Rotate pots periodically for even light exposure.

6. Prune as Needed

Trim off any damaged, diseased, unsightly, or leggy growth as needed to maintain an attractive appearance and compact growth habit.

7. Enjoy Your Basket Grass!

With the right care and conditions, basket grass will thrive as a handsome and unique indoor plant. Enjoy its graceful cascading foliage and tropical appeal.

Growing basket grass successfully inside does require careful attention to its moisture, light, humidity, and temperature needs. Recreate the warm, bright, humid conditions of its native habitat and your basket grass will flourish indoors!