Oplismenus or Ostianka

Native range — southern USA, the islands of the Caribbean Sea and South America (south to Argentina). In cultivation since 1867. The genus name comes from Greek oplismenos — armed (referring to the thin straight awns protruding from the spikelets). About 15 species are distributed in subtropical and tropical regions. This is an evergreen trailing plant resembling Zebrina, but attractive for its originality and exceptional undemanding nature. Ostianka blooms like all grasses; the inflorescences are panicles and the flowers are small. It branches well and does not require pinching.

Its only drawback is the drying old leaves, which must be constantly removed so the plant does not look untidy. It will grow in both warm and cool rooms, but not below 8 °C.

Oplismenus short-hairy - Oplismenus hittellus Beauv. (Panicum variegatum hort.).

A herbaceous perennial with creeping, branching vegetative shoots that root at the nodes, and erect or ascending flowering stems. Leaves are narrow-lanceolate, up to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. The inflorescence is a one-sided, loose panicle up to 10 cm tall. Spikelets are green with reddish awns up to 1 cm long. Native to the southern USA, the Caribbean islands and South America (south to Argentina). In cultivation since 1867. A garden form known as `variegalis` is known – with longitudinal white and pink stripes.

Oplismenus weak - Oplismenus imbecilis, var. variegata hort.

The native range of Oplismenus weak is Australia. A strongly branching herbaceous perennial evergreen with a creeping stem that roots at the nodes, at first glance resembling Tradescantia.

The leaves, as in all grasses, are sheathing, sessile, narrowly linear, light green with white and pink stripes. In our conditions it blooms annually. The flowers are very small, gathered in loose panicles, and do not have ornamental value. The appeal of Oplismenus lies in its numerous variegated leaves and long shoots that form a lacy clump.

It likes bright light, especially the variegated varieties, but can grow in partial shade. Water abundantly from spring to autumn, but avoid waterlogging. Feed at least once every two weeks because Ostianka grows quickly. With variegated forms it is dangerous to overdo the fertilizer – the stripes on the leaves will disappear. Repotting is usually not necessary, because after a couple of years plants lose their ornamental value and need renewal. Cuttings root in water at any time of year, and they produce roots literally within a few days. It's better to plant several in a pot, or periodically cut back the growing shoot and, after rooting, add it to the already growing plant.

Used as groundcover and as a trailing plant in container culture and conservatories. Often used to decorate aquariums.

Location: the plant is fairly undemanding. In winter keep at +10+15 °C, but not below +8 °C. The plant is light-loving, grows well in bright, diffused sunlight, but tolerates partial shade.

Light: shade-tolerant

Watering: water as the soil ball dries out; abundant in summer, moderate in winter.

Humidity: high; enjoys misting

Care: in spring and summer it should be fed with a complete mineral fertilizer. When growing variegated forms, fertilize moderately, as over-fertilization causes the white-pink coloration to disappear.

Propagation: easily propagated by cuttings at any time of year. After rooting they are planted several together in one pot.

Repotting: repotting is usually not necessary. Mature specimens become degenerate and lose ornamental value, so the plant is recommended to be renewed every 1-2 years. You can also rejuvenate the plant by heavy pruning in early spring.