Zoysia matrella (Arabic Grass): Benefits, Lawn Care & Growing Guide
- BeyondForest
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Image of Arabica Grass by Elisha Omuse
2.)Pros and Cons of Arabica Grass
3.)Maintenance and Care of Arabic Grass
4.)Uses of Zoysia matrella (Arabic Grass)
5.)FAQ About Arbica grass
Arabic grass performs best with a height maintained at 1–2 inches
Zoysia matrella, commonly known as Manila grass, Arabica or Arabic grass, is a popular warm-season turfgrass appreciated for its fine texture, dense growth, drought resistance, and ability to form a lush, green carpet.
Buy Arabic Grass From Top Vendors Jane and Elisha
Image of Jane Wambui a Pro Landscaper on Arabic grass
Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, Zoysia matrella has found a firm place in landscaping, golf courses, public parks, and high-end residential lawns across tropical and subtropical regions, the leaf texture is fine-bladed and soft, ideal for barefoot walking .The growth habit is Low and forms a dense mat through stolons and rhizomes
Arabica grass Spreads slowly via surface runners (stolons) and underground stems (rhizomes)
Pros and Cons of Arabica Grass
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Advantages of Arabica Grass
✅ 1. Excellent Drought Resistance
Once established, Arabic grass survives with minimal irrigation, making it ideal for water-scarce areas.
✅ 2. Dense and Weed-Resistant
Its tight growth habit chokes out weeds naturally, reducing the need for herbicides.
✅ 3. Low Mowing Frequency
It grows slowly compared to other grasses like Kikuyu or Bermuda, needing mowing once every 2–3 weeks.
✅ 4. High Foot Traffic Tolerance
Perfect for lawns, sports fields, and playgrounds due to its ability to bounce back from wear.
✅ 5. Shade Tolerance
Can tolerate up to 40–50% shade, outperforming many other warm-season grasses.
✅ 6. Pest and Disease Resistance
Arabic Grass is rarely affected by fungal or insect infestations when well-maintained.
Disadvantages of Arabica Grass
While it’s low-maintenance, it needs proper fertilization for optimal growth and color.
Grows slowly from seed (if available); usually established via sod, plugs, or stolons — which can be expensive.
Image of worms invading Arabica grass a post by Mike Kyalo
Not suitable for highland or frost-prone regions — turns brown in cold temperatures.
Zoysia matrella /Arabic grass is mostly propagated by Sod (turf rolls) ,Splits while Seed propagation is rare, due to low germination rates
Image of Arabica Grass By Elisha Omuse
Maintenance and Care of Arabic Grass
Though relatively low-maintenance, Arabic grass performs best with the following practices:
🌱 Mowing
Maintain at 1–2 inches height.
Mow with a sharp reel mower for best appearance.
Avoid scalping — never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height.
💧 Watering
Once established, water deeply once or twice a week.
Avoid daily shallow watering which encourages shallow root growth.
🌿 Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer (e.g., NPK 10:10:10) every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to thatch buildup and diseases.
🧹 Weed and Thatch Control
Use pre-emergent herbicides during dormant months.
Dethatch once a year if needed using a rake or dethatcher machine.
🌾 Aeration
Aerate soil annually to improve root penetration and water infiltration.
Zoysia matrella is ideal for warm, sunny climates with moderate rainfall.Requires 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily; tolerates partial shade better than Bermuda grass
In terms of Salinity it is High tolerance and very suitable for coastal areas
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Uses of Zoysia matrella (Arabic Grass)
Image of Arabic grass on 50 Kilogram sacks
Home Lawns – Soft texture and aesthetic appeal make it a top choice for upscale lawns.
Golf Courses – Used on fairways and tees due to its resilience and uniform appearance.
Public Parks & Schools – Handles heavy foot traffic while remaining attractive.
Hotels & Resorts – Perfect for ornamental lawns and poolside areas.
Football Fields – Provides a firm, cushioned surface with quick recovery.
Erosion Control – Its rhizome system binds soil on slopes and banks.
Image of Arabica Grass By Elisha Omuse
FAQ About Arabic Grass
According to Floral Garden Arabic grass green soft carpet like appearance is achievable through sufficient timely watering, proper weed control and a fortnight mowing calendar.
Watch for pests like armyworms or fungal infections, especially during wet conditions.
To also ensure that the Arabic grass is well maintained avoid planting in deep shade as it may thin out as Arabic grass thrives in full sun . Best time to water Arabic grass is early morning to prevent fungal issues Water daily for the first 2–3 weeks until established.Water deeply but infrequently — about 2–3 times per week.
Overwatering Arabic grass causes fungal problems and encourages shallow roots also ensure trees or shrubs don’t completely shade the lawn
Mow every 2–3 weeks during the growing season Keep grass at about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm). Use sharp blades to avoid tearing the fine grass blades.
Image of a Post on X by Social Experiment commenting on Arabic grass
How much is Arabic grass in Kenya
Arabic grass, an ornamental lawn variety with fine, lush green blades, is priced at Ksh 1,000 for a 50-kilogram bag, both Nursery Owners and on Jiji. Ideal for landscaping and beautification, it creates a soft, carpet-like cover. Its uniform growth and rich color make it perfect for gardens, walkways, and recreational spaces.
How much water does Arabic grass Need
According to Social Experiment Arabic grass needs a lot of water (not sure about the quantity, but the area with Arabic grass is flooded for about 2 hours, 4 days a week) and then added chicken manure for Nitrogen
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