Basket Grass Plant Roots and Stems: An In-Depth Look

The beautiful cascading leaves of basket grass plants make them a favorite ornamental grass for containers and hanging baskets. But what’s going on below the soil surface is crucial to the plant’s health and growth. Getting to know the root and stem structures of basket grass gives you insight into how to best care for these showy grasses. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into basket grass plant roots and stems.

An Overview of Basket Grass Roots

The roots of basket grass plants are fairly simple and non-aggressive. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Root type – Fibrous roots that form dense mats or balls, rather than spreading individual taproots

• Root depth – Tend to be shallow, mostly concentrated in the top 6 inches of soil.

• Root spread – Root mass mirrors above ground foliage spread.

• Root growth – New roots emerge from the stem nodes in contact with soil.

This fibrous, compact root system means basket grasses thrive in shallow containers. The roots also don’t invade neighboring plants, making them ideal companions. Next, let’s look more closely at how the roots grow and function.

The Role and Structure of Basket Grass Roots

The roots of basket grass serve several important roles:

• Anchoring the plant – The dense network anchors the plant in place.

• Absorbing water and nutrients – Fine root hairs take up moisture and dissolved minerals.

• Storing carbohydrates – Energy reserve to fuel growth and regrowth.

Basket grass roots have the same basic structure as most plants. Key components include:

• Epidermis – Outer protective cell layer.

• Cortex – Supportive tissue that transports and stores nutrients.

• Endodermis – Inner ring that regulates flow between cortex and vascular tissue.

• Xylem and phloem – Vascular tissue that transports water/nutrients and sugars, respectively.

This anatomy supports the root’s roles in absorption, conduction, and storage.

Growing Environment Affects Roots

The soil conditions where basket grass is grown affect how the roots develop.

• Soil texture – Fine roots proliferate in loose, loamy soils that are easy to penetrate.

• Moisture – Roots grow shallowly in search of water in dry soils.

• Oxygen – Poor drainage limits growth, as roots require oxygen.

• Fertility – Lean or infertile soils promote extensive rooting to find nutrients.

• Temperature – Warmer soils accelerate new root production.

By optimizing these environmental factors, you can encourage a healthy, vigorous root system. Proper watering, well-drained soil, and moderate fertilization are key.

An In-Depth Look at Basket Grass Stems

The slender, cane-like stems of basket grass display the cascading leaves so beautifully. Here are some key facts about the stems:

• Growth pattern – New stems sprout from the base and nodes of existing canes.

• Height – Stems grow 12-36 inches tall depending on variety.

• Diameter – Slender stems average 1⁄4 inch thickness.

• Support – Stems are sturdy but may need staking in exposed sites.

• Segmented – Stems have nodes and hollow internodes. Leaves sprout from nodes.

• Color – Can range from green to red, orange, gold depending on variety.

• Textured – Some have smooth stems while others have bumpy joints.

Let’s explore stem anatomy and development in more detail.

The Inner Workings of Stems

The basket grass stem is more than just a stalk holding up leaves. Inside it performs these important functions:

• Structural support – Stems stand upright and anchor plant.

• Transport – Xylem and phloem tissues conduct water, sugars, and nutrients.

• Food production – Some photosynthesis occurs in green stem tissues.

• Storage – Nutrients are stored in stem cells for future use.

• Growth – New leaves and stems emerge from nodes.

Key tissues that enable these functions include:

• Epidermis – Outer layer that provides protection.

• Pith – Spongy central tissue.

• Vascular bundles – Xylem and phloem tissues for transport.

• Cortex – Site of photosynthesis and food production.

The Growth Habit of Basket Grass Stems

Basket grass stems exhibit a distinct growth pattern through the season:

• Spring – Active growth begins with new shoots emerging from the base.

• Summer – Stems elongate rapidly and branch during peak growth.

• Fall – Growth slows and stems mature. Plants shift energy to roots.

• Winter – Above ground stems die back after frost while roots persist.

• Next Spring – The cycle repeats with new shoots sprouting from the root mass.

Pruning or cutting back stems at the right times encourages fullness. Remove old stems in late winter just before new growth resumes.

Care Tips for Healthy Roots and Stems

Now that you understand the form and function of basket grass roots and stems, here are some care tips:

• Water thoroughly to hydrate roots, then allow soil to dry between waterings.

• Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy soils.

• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

• Prune out old stems in late winter to stimulate lush new growth.

• Stake stems if needed for support in windswept areas.

• Divide root balls every 2-3 years to rejuvenate and invigorate.

• Watch for root rot if overwatered and stem splitting from heavy water.

With its graceful stems and well-behaved roots, basket grass is a joy to grow. A little understanding of what’s happening underground and inside these stems helps you provide ideal care for lasting beauty.

Frequency of entities:
roots: 22
stems: 20
basket grass: 16
leaves: 5
water: 4
soil: 4
nutrients: 3
xylem: 2
phloem: 2
nodes: 2
pruning: 1
root rot: 1
stem splitting: 1