Zoysia grass (Zoysia matrella)
Care, watering, light and tips for Zoysia grass on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Poaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Zoysia grass
Zoysia matrella, commonly known as Manila Grass, is a slow-growing perennial grass that forms a dense, fine-textured, emerald green carpet. Its leaves are narrow and soft to the touch, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and creating a luxurious lawn appearance in residential gardens and golf courses, especially in warm, humid climates.
Native range
Southeast Asia and Polynesia
Care tips
It prefers full sun for optimal growth, though it tolerates some partial shade. It requires regular watering to establish, but once mature, it is very drought-tolerant; water deeply and less frequently. It thrives in well-drained soils, from sandy to clay. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases and poor growth.
How to save a dying Zoysia grass
- Warning signs
- Spreading dry, brown patches, yellowing and wilting leaves, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Deep but infrequent watering, aerate compacted soil, gentle low-nitrogen fertilizer.
- What kills it
- Over or under-watering, compacted soil, lack of direct sunlight, excessive fertilization.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Zoysia is resilient, but prolonged neglect is fatal.