Vetiver Grass FAQ: Uses, Planting, Benefits & Practical Advice
1. Understanding Vetiver Grass
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a tropical, clump-forming grass with extraordinarily deep, strong roots. Unlike ordinary grasses, its roots can grow 3–5 metres deep, anchoring it firmly into the soil and making it incredibly effective for erosion control, slope stabilization, and water management.
Originally native to India, Vetiver has been used for centuries in tropical and subtropical regions. The type used in environmental and agricultural work today is a sterile, non-invasive variety that has been propagated for decades around the world.
No, Vetiver is not native to South Africa — but the sterile cultivar used here is non-invasive and safe for the local environment. It has been successfully used in South Africa for land restoration, erosion control, and even mine rehabilitation.
No. The Vetiver used for erosion control (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is clump-forming and sterile. It does not produce viable seeds and won’t spread beyond where it is planted. That’s why it’s trusted globally by engineers, farmers, and environmentalists alike.
The Vetiver System is a nature-based solution that uses Vetiver grass in rows or hedges to manage water flow, prevent erosion, stabilize slopes, and rehabilitate damaged land. It’s low-cost, highly effective, and can be applied in farming, construction, conservation, and environmental rehabilitation.
Vetiver doesn’t spread by seed or runners. It grows in dense, vertical clumps and stays exactly where you plant it. Its roots grow downward (not sideways), so it doesn’t become invasive — but it forms natural barriers that slow water runoff, trap sediment, and protect the soil.
2. Uses & Benefits of Vetiver Grass
Vetiver is used to control erosion, stabilize slopes, rehabilitate degraded land, manage water runoff, and improve soil health. It’s widely applied in farming, construction, land restoration, infrastructure protection, and even water purification.
Planted in rows across a slope, Vetiver forms a dense hedge that slows down water flow, traps sediment, and encourages water to soak into the ground. Its deep, fibrous roots hold the soil in place, even in extreme rain or on steep slopes.
Yes. Vetiver is especially effective in land rehabilitation, including old farmland, mine dumps, and gully-eroded areas. It can survive in poor soils, detoxify heavy metals, and gradually rebuild the soil’s structure and fertility.
Absolutely. Farmers use Vetiver to:
Yes. Vetiver is used in wetlands, dams, and effluent treatment sites to filter water, trap sediments, and absorb nutrients or toxins. Its root system helps reduce water pollution and stabilize the edges of ponds, rivers, or canals.
Yes. It’s widely used to protect roadsides, embankments, building sites, and drainage channels from erosion. It’s a cost-effective alternative to retaining walls or geotextiles and works especially well in rural or hard-to-access areas.
3. Buying & Ordering Vetiver Grass
We supply bare root slips — the most effective and widely used form for planting. These are mature tillers (small clumps) ready to be planted directly into the soil. Each slip contains strong roots and a healthy shoot for fast establishment.
It depends on the area and application. As a general guide:
Vetiver is sold per slip. Larger orders receive discounted bulk pricing. Our online orders page has all the details.
You can order Vetiver directly through our online orders page or by contacting us via WhatsApp. Once we confirm your order size and delivery location, we’ll send you a quote and payment details.
We deliver across South Africa, including rural and hard-to-reach areas. Delivery is arranged via courier. We’ll confirm costs and timeframes when quoting.
Vetiver is hardy and handles transportation well it can travel for up to a week on the road. Vetiver is carefully boxed to ensure it stays fresh and viable during transport. Slips are shipped to arrive in good condition, ready for planting.
Yes, if you’re nearby, collection can be arranged by appointment. Please contact us to confirm availability and location.
4. Planting & Maintenance of Vetiver Grass
Vetiver should be planted in a single row across the slope, with the slips spaced 10 cm apart. Dig a shallow trench, place each slip upright, and firm the soil around the roots, ensuring the crown is covered by soil. Water well after planting to help it establish.
The best time to plant is during the rainy season, when there’s natural moisture in the soil. However, with regular watering, it can be planted at other times as well — especially in warm regions.
For erosion control: 10–15 cm between slips in a row.
For general land cover or less steep areas: 15–20 cm spacing is usually enough.
On steep or highly eroded slopes, multiple rows may be needed, staggered across the slope.
Water deeply after planting, then every 2–3 days for the first few weeks if rainfall is low. Once established (after 4–6 weeks), Vetiver becomes drought-tolerant and needs little to no extra watering.
Vetiver typically takes 3–6 weeks to establish, depending on weather and soil. Within 3 months, you’ll see strong hedgerows forming. The full erosion control effect is visible after about 6–12 months.
In poor or depleted soils, a small amount of organic compost or well-rotted manure can help Vetiver establish faster. In most cases, it grows well without fertiliser once it’s settled in.
After 3-4 months trim the grass back to 20–30 cm height and after that once or twice a year to encourage denser growth.
5. Environmental Conditions for Growing Vetiver Grass
Yes. Once established, Vetiver is extremely drought-tolerant thanks to its deep roots that access subsoil moisture. It may need irrigation during the first 4–6 weeks, but after that, it can thrive with very little water.
Vetiver can grow in a wide range of soils — from sandy and loamy to clay and even saline soils. It performs best in well-drained soil, but it can tolerate poor fertility, acidity, or alkalinity. It’s commonly used to restore degraded or contaminated land.
Yes. Vetiver’s strong roots can break through compacted soils, making it effective for restoring hard ground like mine dumps and construction sites. However, in heavy clay soils, growth may be slower — try a small test patch first.
Yes. Vetiver has a high tolerance for saline and brackish soils, which makes it valuable for coastal areas, irrigation runoff zones, and contaminated sites. However, extreme salt levels may slow its growth.
Vetiver thrives in warm to hot climates, but mature plants can tolerate light frost. In colder parts of South Africa, it may go dormant in winter and regrow in spring. While sustained freezing temperatures below 0°C can damage or kill young plants, established Vetiver has been known to survive and regrow after black frost.
Absolutely. Vetiver is especially effective on steep, erosion-prone slopes where other vegetation struggles to hold. Its vertical roots anchor the soil, and its dense hedges slow water flow. It’s used globally for slope stabilization along roads, rivers, and farmlands.
Yes. Vetiver can survive temporary flooding, and it’s often used to stabilize riverbanks, dam walls, and wetlands. Its roots bind the soil and prevent it from washing away during heavy rain or flash floods.
6. Sustainability & Safety of Vetiver Grass
Yes. Vetiver is considered one of the safest grasses for environmental use. The sterile variety used globally (and in South Africa) does not spread, does not produce viable seed, and has no invasive behavior. It stays where you plant it and provides decades of eco-service without disrupting natural ecosystems.
No. The Vetiver grass used for land restoration is a non-invasive, sterile cultivar (Chrysopogon zizanioides). It doesn’t reproduce through seed and won’t spread on its own. It stays in tight clumps, exactly where you plant it, making it ideal for controlled planting in sensitive environments.
Yes. Vetiver is non-toxic to animals. While most livestock don’t find it highly palatable when mature, it’s safe if consumed in small amounts. In some cases, young Vetiver shoots can be used as emergency fodder or bedding.
No more than any other grass. Vetiver can be cut low once or twice a year to reduce bulk and fire risk in dry areas. In fact, its dense root system survives wildfires, allowing it to regrow after burning — an advantage for land resilience.
A well-established Vetiver hedge can last decades with minimal care. Its perennial nature and ability to thrive under tough conditions make it a long-term solution for erosion control, slope protection, and land rehabilitation.
Yes. Vetiver hedges can provide habitat and windbreaks for beneficial insects and small animals. On farms, they can also help create microclimates and protect crops from pests and wind, improving overall soil and ecosystem health.
7. Case Studies & Real-World Applications
Vetiver has been used in over 100 countries for:
Yes. Vetiver has been used in South Africa for: