Image: AI generated
Fountain Grass Plant Care
Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cenchrus alopecuroides, previously Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly known as the Chinese pennisetum, Chinese fountaingrass, dwarf fountain grass, foxtail fountain grass, or swamp foxtail grass, is a species of perennial grass native to Asia and Australia. The culms are erect, and 60–100 cm long.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fountain Grass?
Water Fountain Grass every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fountain Grass Native To?
What Is the Fountain Grass?
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Pennisetum genus. Fountain Grass is native to Asia and Australia. Fountain Grass is also known as Chinese Fountain Grass, Japanese Fountain 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 showy, feathery flower spikes in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fountain Grass?
Pennisetum alopecuroides requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fountain Grass Need?
Fountain Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fountain Grass Prefer?
Pennisetum alopecuroides grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Fountain Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fountain Grass?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. 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 6 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 6 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?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in 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 division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple fountain grass 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, cutworms. 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 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Fountain Grass is native to Asia and Australia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
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 Pennisetum genus — compare its care with other Pennisetum species on PlantoScan.
Pennisetum 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.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng., family Poaceae (first published in Syst. Veg. 1: 303 (1824)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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