Keep zebra grass on the balcony

Select sufficiently large planters

It is common knowledge that ornamental grasses usually have rather overgrown root plexuses. The zebra grass is no exception in this regard and can only deliver really satisfactory growth results with enough space in the pot. After all, this type of plant quickly takes up larger areas in the open if it is not used with a corresponding one Root lock is planted. Normal Window boxes(€ 7.99 at Amazon *) like for Geraniums and other typical balcony plants should be sufficiently large, but you should use the zebra grass in significantly larger planters. This goes hand in hand with the fact that when it is used as a privacy screen along the balcony parapet, it must also open Ensure that the planters, which are sometimes very heavy, are adequately protected against falling is.

Do not save with the irrigation water

In its natural range, the zebra grass prefers a partially shaded to sunny location with permanently moist soil. Therefore, when it comes to caring for a potted plant, the zebra grass should be watered extensively every day, especially in summer. This is all the more true for balcony locations where the strong solar radiation and the much more powerful wind constantly cause the substrate in the plant pot to dry out. Nevertheless, the zebra grass (like most plant species) can only handle roots that are constantly in the water very poorly. Therefore, despite the generally high water requirement, the planter for the zebra grass on the balcony also needs sufficiently large drainage holes for excess irrigation water.

Hibernate zebra grass properly on the balcony

Since the zebra grass is frost-hardy to around minus 20 degrees Celsius, specimens planted in the garden usually have no problems even in harsher winters. Unfortunately, this statement cannot be applied to potted plants on a balcony, because the root ball can be attacked much more easily by sub-zero temperatures here than when it is closed Soil. You should therefore take the following protective measures in good time before the start of winter:

• the zebra grass never before winter cutbut tie them together
• Wrap the plant pot with bubble wrap or an old sleeping mat
• Water on frost-free days

The water supply on frost-free days is very important, since hardy reed and bamboo species are often damaged in winter not by frost, but by dryness in the root area.