About Mondo Grass
A dense, low-growing, grass-like perennial that forms neat, dark green tufts of fine, arching leaves. Despite its name, it's not a true grass but a member of the asparagus family. Mondo grass is the go-to groundcover for shaded garden areas, pathway borders, and between stepping stones in Philippine landscaping. It stays compact (10-15 cm tall), spreads slowly by underground stolons, and creates a lush, manicured carpet effect that lawn grass can't match in shady spots. Mondo Grass belongs to the Asparagaceae family and originates from East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam); widely cultivated as a groundcover in tropical and subtropical gardens..
Mondo grass is a landscape industry staple in the Philippines — you'll see it bordering pathways at Ayala malls, lining garden walkways in BGC, and edging flower beds in Makati commercial buildings. Filipino landscape contractors buy it in bulk from Laguna and Cavite nurseries for commercial and residential projects. It's the preferred groundcover under trees and along shaded walkways where lawn grass won't grow. Black Mondo Grass ('Nigrescens') has become trendy among plant collectors, though it commands a premium price.
Also known as: Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf.
Popular Varieties
- Ophiopogon japonicus (standard green — most common in PH landscaping)
- Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' (extra dwarf — only 5-8 cm tall)
- Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass — dramatic black leaves)
- Ophiopogon japonicus 'Silver Mist' (variegated white and green)
How to Plant Mondo Grass in the Philippines
Mondo Grass can be propagated through division, stolons. The recommended method is division of established clumps.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Dig up a mature clump with a garden fork, keeping roots intact.
- Step 2: Pull or cut the clump into smaller divisions, each with 8-10 leaves and healthy roots.
- Step 3: Trim leaves to about 10 cm to reduce transplant stress.
- Step 4: Plant divisions 10-15 cm apart for a dense groundcover effect.
- Step 5: Water well and keep moist for the first 2-3 weeks until established.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to full shade (2-4 hours of indirect or filtered light; tolerates full shade but may thin out; can handle morning sun). Position your mondo grass where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water regularly during the establishment period and dry season — 2-3 times per week. Once established, it's moderately drought-tolerant but looks best with consistent moisture. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-32°C (handles Philippine lowland heat when grown in shade; may scorch in direct hot sun). Moderate to high — well-suited to Philippine humidity The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing mondo grass outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeding — balanced slow-release fertilizer (14-14-14) twice a year (start of rainy and dry seasons) is sufficient.
Pruning
Mow or trim with shears once a year in early rainy season to rejuvenate the clump and encourage fresh, compact growth.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. The small blue-black berries produced after flowering are also non-toxic but not palatable.
Common Problems & Solutions
Brown or scorched leaf tips
Cause: Too much direct sun, especially harsh afternoon sun
Solution: Relocate to a shadier area or provide afternoon shade cover. Mondo grass prefers filtered or indirect light.
Thin, sparse growth
Cause: Too much shade, poor soil, or competition from tree roots
Solution: Divide and replant in refreshed, enriched soil. Ensure at least some filtered light reaches the plants.
Slug damage — holes in leaves
Cause: Moist, shaded conditions attract slugs and snails
Solution: Apply diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around plantings. Hand-pick snails in the evening.
Root rot in waterlogged areas
Cause: Poorly draining soil with standing water during monsoon season
Solution: Improve drainage or raise the planting area slightly. Mondo grass likes moisture but not waterlogged roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Mondo Grass in the Philippines?
Mondo Grass needs partial shade to full shade (2-4 hours of indirect or filtered light; tolerates full shade but may thin out; can handle morning sun). Water regularly during the establishment period and dry season — 2-3 times per week. once established, it's moderately drought-tolerant but looks best with consistent moisture.. Feed with light feeding — balanced slow-release fertilizer (14-14-14) twice a year (start of rainy and dry seasons) is sufficient.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-32°C (handles Philippine lowland heat when grown in shade; may scorch in direct hot sun) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Mondo Grass?
The recommended method is division of established clumps. Dig up a mature clump with a garden fork, keeping roots intact. Pull or cut the clump into smaller divisions, each with 8-10 leaves and healthy roots.
Is Mondo Grass toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. The small blue-black berries produced after flowering are also non-toxic but not palatable.
Can Mondo Grass grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Mondo Grass grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Mondo Grass?
Common issues include: Brown or scorched leaf tips (caused by too much direct sun, especially harsh afternoon sun — relocate to a shadier area or provide afternoon shade cover. mondo grass prefers filtered or indirect light); Thin, sparse growth (caused by too much shade, poor soil, or competition from tree roots — divide and replant in refreshed, enriched soil. ensure at least some filtered light reaches the plants); Slug damage — holes in leaves (caused by moist, shaded conditions attract slugs and snails — apply diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around plantings. hand-pick snails in the evening).
Growing mondo grass in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!