Three-spiked finger grass

eleusine tristachya

Also known as: ["Three-spiked finger grass"]

Family: Poaceae Genus: Eleusine Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A grass species native to tropical and subtropical regions, characterized by its slender stems and spike-like inflorescences.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Eleusine
Botanical Name: Eleusine tristachya

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny area, or container in a bright location
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in intense heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in summer; move outdoors in spring/summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure bottom drainage holes.

Temperature

Warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures; avoid frost.

Avoid drafts; use a thermometer to monitor; adjust care seasonally.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or bud; thin out crowded areas.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged growth to encourage new shoots; shape as needed for aesthetics.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape lightly; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the main growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain fully; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; roots may rot in cold, wet soil; leaves may turn purple or brown.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid overwatering.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or browning; reduced vigor; potential flower drop.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Eleusine tristachya may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Eleusine tristachya can result from water stress, root damage, or vascular diseases, causing reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient transport.

Leaf spots on Eleusine tristachya are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area and potential spread of infection.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Eleusine tristachya is often caused by fungal pathogens or excessive soil moisture, leading to tissue decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Eleusine tristachya is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects associated with its ingestion by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats exposed to Eleusine tristachya.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Eleusine tristachya is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects associated with its ingestion by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs exposed to Eleusine tristachya.
Humans
Non-toxic

Eleusine tristachya is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans under normal circumstances. It is generally considered safe for consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or consumption of Eleusine tristachya.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Eleusine tristachya toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How much maintenance does this plant require?

A: It requires very low maintenance.

Q: Is Eleusine tristachya suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, it is very easy to care for and ideal for beginners.

Quick Reference
Family: Poaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

False Barley
View
African Foxtail Grass
View
Sand Cat Grass
View
Red Lovegrass
View