If you’re a fan of Zebra Grass, you’ll be happy to know it’s super easy to propagate! With a few simple tricks, you can turn one healthy, established clump into two (or more). However, you’ve got to do it the right way to keep your ornamental grass happy and healthy. Here’s everything you need to know to get the job done.
Propagating by Division
Zebra Grass grows pretty fast, which makes it a perfect candidate for division. The best time to split your grass is in the spring. This gives the roots plenty of time to recover in frost-free soil before the heat of summer hits. Pick a dry day for the job, and definitely grab a pair of sturdy gardening gloves—those grass blades can be surprisingly sharp! Here is your game plan:
Step-by-Step
- Cut back the Zebra Grass
- Carefully dig up the entire root ball
- Trim away any rotten or dead root sections
- Split the root ball in half (a sharp spade works wonders here)
- Replant both halves immediately
Planting in a New Spot
Once you’ve split your Zebra Grass, you’ll want to get it back into the ground right away. You can plant the new section directly into your garden bed or pot it up in a container. Keeping it in a pot is a great move if you aren’t sure where you want it yet, or if you want to use it as a portable privacy screen or a statement piece on your patio.
What your new plant needs to thrive
- Loose, well-draining soil
- Slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soil pH
- Plenty of bright sunlight
- A spot protected from heavy winds
- Consistent moisture (but no soggy feet!)
When choosing a location, make sure it gets plenty of sun. If Zebra Grass sits in the shade for too long, it actually starts to lose those iconic yellow stripes. To help the roots settle in, skip the synthetic fertilizers. Instead, go for organic options like compost or humus. Chemical fertilizers can actually make the grass grow *too* fast, resulting in weak, floppy blades that collapse when the wind picks up. Stick to the natural stuff, and your Zebra Grass will stay upright and beautiful!
