Fountain grass Plant Care
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. in Steud.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cenchrus pennisetiformis, commonly known in Australia as the Cloncurry, white or slender buffel grass, is a species of grass in the genus Cenchrus. It is native to parts of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent, and has been introduced to some other parts of the world as a drought-tolerant forage crop.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fountain grass?
Water Fountain grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fountain grass Native To?
What Is the Fountain grass?
Fountain grass (Cenchrus pennisetiformis) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Cenchrus genus. Fountain grass is native to parts of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent, and has been introduced to some other parts of the world as a drought-tolerant forage crop. Fountain grass is also known as Kikuyu grass.
Fountain grass displays an upright, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Fountain grass produces small spikelets in terminal panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fountain grass?
Cenchrus pennisetiformis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fountain grass Need?
Fountain grass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fountain grass Prefer?
Cenchrus pennisetiformis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Fountain grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fountain grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Fountain grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fountain grass?
Feed Fountain grass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fountain grass?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fountain grass?
Fountain grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pearl millet plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fountain grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fountain grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fountain grass?
Fountain grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fountain grass Need?
Fountain grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Fountain grass is native to parts of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent, and has been introduced to some other parts of the world as a drought-tolerant forage crop. In cooler regions, grow Fountain grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Fountain grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cenchrus genus — compare its care with other Cenchrus species on PlantoScan.
Cenchrus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Fountain grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cenchrus Species
Other Cenchrus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. in Steud., family Poaceae (first published in Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 109 (1854)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fountain grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Fountain grass Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species