Water
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. In hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency.
Reduce watering during cooler months or when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Bristly Crabgrass · East Indian Crab Grass · Itchy Crabgrass
Digitaria setigera, commonly known as East Indian Crabgrass, is a tufted perennial grass found in tropical and subtropical regions, often considered a weed.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Well-drained, fertile
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 21-30°C; avoid frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed lightly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. In hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency.
Reduce watering during cooler months or when the plant is dormant.
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or overgrown stems. Light pruning can be done anytime. For significant reshaping, prune in early spring before new growth begins.
Remove any flowering stalks if seed production is not desired.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or summer. Can also be propagated by division of clumps in spring. Cuttings taken in late spring or early summer will also root readily in moist soil or water.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of East Indian Crabgrass (Digitaria setigera)
Where East Indian Crabgrass (Digitaria setigera) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
| Species | Digitaria setigera |
Similar in genus Digitaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data