Dwarf Fountain Grass Plant Care
Digitaria compacta (Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) Veldkamp
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique cylindrical flower spikes resembling fingers, this plant originates from South America. Plant collectors are drawn to its striking appearance and interesting growth habit, making it a sought-after addition to their collections.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Water Dwarf Fountain Grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. 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 Dwarf Fountain Grass Native To?
What Is the Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Dwarf Fountain Grass (Digitaria compacta) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Digitaria genus. Dwarf Fountain Grass is native to India and Indochina. Dwarf Fountain Grass is also known as Miniature Fountain Grass.
Dwarf Fountain Grass displays an upright, spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dwarf Fountain Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Digitaria compacta 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 Dwarf Fountain Grass Need?
Dwarf Fountain Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dwarf Fountain Grass Prefer?
Digitaria compacta grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Dwarf Fountain Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf Fountain Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Feed Dwarf 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 Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Divide and repot every 2-3 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 Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Dwarf Fountain Grass can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to digitaria californica plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dwarf Fountain Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dwarf 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 Dwarf Fountain Grass?
Dwarf Fountain Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, armyworms. 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 Dwarf Fountain Grass Need?
Dwarf Fountain Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Dwarf Fountain Grass is native to India and Indochina. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Fountain Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Dwarf 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 Digitaria genus — compare its care with other Digitaria species on PlantoScan.
Digitaria is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Dwarf Fountain Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Digitaria Species
Other Digitaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Digitaria compacta (Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) Veldkamp, family Poaceae (first published in Blumea 21: 71 (1973)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dwarf 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.
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