the genus ophiopogon is a member of the asparagaceae family and contains approx. 65 species. the native to japan and korea ophiopogon jaburan has several common names such as aztec or mondo grass, giant or white ilyturf, snake beard. it is available with green or white variegated leaves.
it can grow about 25 cm/10 inches high and shows its flowers in august/september.
ophiopogon jaburan is sometimes sold as an aquatic plant but won’t survive that long if cultivated under these conditions.
mondo grass (ophiopogon jaburan) care
- lighting: full sun to light shaded
- watering: moist but not wet
- feeding: half diluted given monthly from april to september
- temperature: room temperature from spring to fall, 5-10 °c/41-59 °f during winter
- soil: a regular or a cacti mix
- propagation: division, seeds
the mondo grass (ophiopogon jaburan) is suitable for sunny to light shaded places. for showing its colorful fooliage the variegated cultivars shouldn’t be placed too dark. otherwise they can produce only green leaves.
during summer it can be placed in the garden or on the balcony. plants growing in moderate shade should be slowly hardened off before placing them in full sun.
a regular potting such as a cacti mix can be used. keep it evenly moist but not wet, sitting in water will cause rot. a slightly drying of the soil’s surface between the waterings is fine, but it shouldn’t dry completely.
a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half can be given monthly from april to september. for recently re-potted or fresh bouhgt plants there is no need to feed for the first six to eight weeks.
during winter ophiopogon jaburan should be placed at approx. 5-10 °c/41-59 °f. at this temperature range, watering can be reduced and there is no need to feed. but the soil should not dry out in complete.
propagation
the mondo grass can easily be propagated by division.