Variegated Managrass Glyceria maxima var. variegata (v)

Water

The variegated sweet grass prefers consistently moist to wet soil, so it is vital to ensure the soil never dries out completely. In terms of frequency, it should be watered thoroughly at least once a week, with increased regularity during periods of high heat or drought, possibly twice a week or more to maintain moist soil conditions. The method of watering should involve deep watering, allowing the water to seep down to the roots rather than just wetting the surface. A suggestion for the amount of water would be to provide approximately 1-2 gallons per week for an established plant, depending on the size of the specimen and the environmental conditions.

Light

Variegated sweet grass thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best when it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can tolerate dappled shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is harshest. The best spot for this plant might be an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, to prevent the leaves from scorching in too intense sunlight.

Temperature

Variegated sweet grass is fairly hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F, although frost can damage the leaves. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate high temperatures, but if it gets too warm, the plant may require more frequent watering to stay healthy.

Pruning

Pruning variegated sweet grass is mostly done to maintain its shape and remove any brown or damaged leaves. This encourages new, healthy growth. Pruning should occur in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Cutting the plant back by about two-thirds, to a height of 4-6 inches, is a common practice. The best time for pruning is when the new growth begins to emerge, indicating the plant is exiting its dormant phase.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Variegated sweet grass prefers consistently moist, fertile soil with good drainage. A combination of loamy soil, peat or compost, and a small amount of sand can create an ideal mix. This plant thrives at a soil pH range of 5.5-7.5, maintaining slight acidity to neutrality.

Repotting

Variegated sweet grass should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow room for growth. It's important to choose a pot that accommodates the plant's spreading habit and to ensure that the new pot has adequate drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Variegated sweet grass tolerates high humidity levels but can also adapt to average room humidity. Maintaining a humidity level of around 50-70% is beneficial for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in wet areas, partial to full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Variegated manna grass (Glyceria maxima var. variegata) starts its life cycle as a seed, falling into wet soil or shallow water in late summer to early autumn. Germination occurs when temperatures rise in spring, leading to the emergence of seedlings with delicate roots and shoots. The plant enters a phase of vegetative growth, developing a clump of variegated green and white striped leaves, and establishing a network of rhizomes that spread horizontally. Throughout the growing season, which peaks in late spring to summer, it produces tall flowering stems bearing feathery flower spikes, capable of sexual reproduction and wind pollination. After pollination, seeds are produced, and the plant begins to die back in late autumn as temperatures drop. However, the rhizomes remain alive through winter, ready to sprout new growth the following spring, thus completing the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• Propogation: The Glyceria maxima var. variegata, commonly referred to as variegated manna grass, is readily propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Division is best carried out in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate variegated manna grass, you would take a sharp spade or knife and carefully divide the dense mat of roots and rhizomes into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point or shoot. It's important to replant the divisions quickly to prevent the roots from drying out. The divisions should be planted at the same depth they were growing previously and spaced appropriately to allow for growth, and they should be kept well-watered until they are established. This method is effective because it maintains the variegation pattern of the parent plant, and it allows for rapid increase of the plant stock.