Cenchrus alopecuroides aka Fountain Grass

Taxonomy

Common names

Fountain Grass, Chikarashiba (Jp), Chinese Fountain Grass, Swamp Foxtail Grass, Chinese Pennisetum

How to care for Fountain Grass

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Fountain Grass, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Fountain Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Fountain Grass, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Swamp Foxtail Grass is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Fountain Grass will thrive!

Lighting

Fountain Grass requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Swamp Foxtail Grass is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Fountain Grass has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Fountain Grass displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.


More info:
Wikipedia