Maybe you’re a little hesitant about planting cat grass in standard potting soil because you aren’t sure what’s actually in it. You’re not alone—many cat parents avoid store-bought soil because of the added chemicals. The good news? You can actually grow these greens without any soil at all! Here is the lowdown on how to make it happen.
Can you keep cat grass in a bowl of water?
If you’ve already bought some cat grass from the store, you can technically take it out of its pot, wash off the dirt, and pop it into a bowl of water. However, this is more of a temporary fix than a long-term gardening strategy. The plant won’t thrive like this forever, so it’s best to let your kitty munch on it right away. You also won’t be able to grow new grass from scratch using just a bowl of water.
Here’s why going soil-free might be the right move for you:
- You have total control over what goes into the plant (and your cat).
- You protect your kitty from the “nutrient overload” often found in fertilized potting soil.
- You can fine-tune the watering to exactly what the plant needs.
Different varieties, different setups
When it comes to ditching the dirt, the type of plant you choose makes all the difference. While Umbrella Papyrus is a fan favorite, there are plenty of other grasses and sedges that work great for cats. You can also use grains like oats, barley, and wheat, or even dwarf bamboo.
If you go with Umbrella Papyrus, you’re in luck! This plant actually loves “wet feet” and handles standing water like a champ. That means keeping it in a decorative bowl or glass of water is a perfectly viable, soil-free way to grow it.
Dwarf bamboo, on the other hand, is a bit pickier. It likes to stay moist but doesn’t want to be drowned. For this one, try using a mix of clay granules (like LECA) and sand. This substrate is actually often better for the plant than traditional soil. Plus, you’ll have total peace of mind knowing there are no nasty additives creeping into your cat’s favorite snack.
