Basket grass (Oplismenus hirtellus) is a versatile ornamental grass that can thrive in sun or shade, But how much sunlight does this attractive plant really need for optimal growth and health? Understanding the right light conditions allows you to site basket grass successfully indoors and out
Basket Grass Thrives in Bright Light
In its native habitat basket grass grows naturally in dappled shade beneath trees and along woodland edges where sunlight filters through. It doesn’t require full sun but does best with abundant bright light for several hours daily. Filtered or partial sun keeps basket grass happily growing while protecting it from scorching afternoon rays.
Indoors, situate basket grass plants in a southern or western window where they will get 4-6 hours of direct sun exposure. An unobstructed eastern window also provides sufficient light. Rotate the pot regularly so all sides receive equal illumination. Supplement with grow lights if needed during darker months.
Outdoors, look for sites with morning sun and afternoon shade. Dappled light under tree canopy or on the edge of borders works perfectly. Avoid hot, arid western exposures. Aim for at least 4 hours of unfiltered sun; more is fine if temperatures are moderated. Afternoon protection prevents leaf burn.
Direct Sunlight Scorches Leaves
Too much direct sun is detrimental for basket grass. More than 6 hours of hot afternoon light outdoors can overheat and dehydrate plants. Leaves turn brown or yellow and scorch badly in full sun locations. Growth stalls and the grass declines without respite from intense rays. Providing shade in the hottest part of the day prevents sun damage.
Indoors, a south-facing window without sheer curtains results in leaf burn. Direct sun through unfiltered glass overheats plants quickly. Filter or diffuse intense light to avoid scorched, dried foliage. Never place basket grass in a fully sunny west window lacking protection. The harsh afternoon sun will devastate plants.
Low Light Equals Leggy Growth
Insufficient sun leads to weak, leggy growth in basket grass. The stems stretch and leaves become smaller when light is too dim. Plants struggle to photosynthesize and Will often turn chlorotic and yellow due to nutritional deficits. Low light also inhibits flowering and seedhead formation.
Avoid north-facing windows or spots far from windows indoors. Grow lights help compensate but do not match the spectrum and intensity of natural sunlight. Move plants outdoors in summer for better illumination if interior light is poor.
Light Requirements Vary By Climate
The amount of light basket grass needs depends partly on your climate. Plants grown in darker northern zones need more supplemental lighting than those in the sunny south. Likewise, specimen grown outdoors require more sun than houseplants. Adjust durations and intensities accordingly.
Place indoor plants right against windows in low light areas. Provide shade cloth filtering for outdoor plants in intense desert sun. Meet the needs of your specific environment.
Acclimate Plants To Changes
When transitioning basket grass to different light levels, do so gradually. A sudden increase from low to high light damages tender leaves. Introduce more illumination over 7-10 days to avoid shock. The same goes when bringing outdoor plants inside – they need time to adjust.
Consider Grass Varieties
Some basket grass cultivars handle shade better than others. ‘Woodrush’ tolerates deep shade while ‘Redhill’ needs brighter light. Check varieties for preferred conditions and match those to your site. There are selections adapted to both sun and shade.
Monitor for Light Deficiencies
Watch basket grass closely when situating in a new spot. Signs of insufficient light include:
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Thin, weak stems
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Smaller leaf size
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Lackluster foliage color
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Leggy growth habit
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Failure to bloom
These indicate the need for more sunlight. Move plants or augment with grow lights accordingly.
Know Your Region’s Sun Strength
The intensity of sun exposure varies across climates, seasons, and times of day. Grass grown in Arizona requires different conditions than grass in Vermont. Place plants according to the sunlight patterns in your specific area.
Take Weather Into Account
Seasonal weather also impacts light levels. Cloudy stretches in winter or rainy periods in spring diminish illumination. Adjust basket grass location as needed to accommodate fewer sunny days over the year. Don’t rely on averages alone.
Morning Sun is Best
If you can only provide sun for part of the day, choose morning light. Cooler morning rays are gentler and avoid leaf burn. Aim for at least 4 hours of early sun if possible.
Use Sheer Curtains as Filters
hang sheer curtains in sunny windows to diffuse intense midday light. These thin fabrics prevent burning while allowing bright illumination. Opt for lightweight white curtains to maximize sun transmission.
With plentiful but filtered sun exposure, basket grass thrives indoors and out. Situate plants in sites protected from hot afternoon rays but open to 4-6 hours of morning and midday sunshine. Avoid overheating plants in direct sun or starving them in deep shade. Give your basket grass the abundant yet diffused light it needs for lush, healthy growth.
How to fertilize Indian Basket-Grass
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Indian Basket-Grass after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Indian Basket-Grass prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Indian Basket-Grass requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Indian Basket-Grass grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
USDA Hardiness Zone Indian Basket-Grass can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Taxonomy Scientific name
Indian Basket-Grass needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
Select the pot size
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Planting up Containers for Full Sun // Garden Answer
FAQ
What kills basketgrass?
How much light does a basket plant need?
Is basket grass invasive?
How tall does basket grass grow?
How much water does basketgrass need?
Basketgrass needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants. Does your plant get direct sunlight?
Is basket grass a perennial?
Basket grass is a hardy perennial in USDA growing zones 7 to 11. Is troubled by few insect or disease issues. If the blades appear frost damaged or show signs of wind or time abuse, simply trim back to 6 to 8 inches from the ground and the blades will spring back wonderfully. Most lomandras are comfortable in full sun to mostly shaded spots.
Can basketgrass grow in a shady area?
Basketgrass commonly grows in shady areas. Although it can form a dense groundcover, it goes dormant and doesn’t stay green all year. Additionally, trying to grow turfgrass in an area where basketgrass grows can also be challenging. Basketgrass is a sign that the area gets too little sunlight to grow turf.
Is basketgrass a good ground cover?
To me, basketgrass is an attractive, native ground-cover which will grow where other things (grass) will not. I’m trying to establish it in my shady back yard. I’m interested in Polk County (preferably Lakeland) summer volunteer opportunities or camps for my 15 year-old but am having trouble finding those on this site.