Oriental Fountain Grass Plant Care
Pennisetum orientale Rich.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cenchrus orientale, previously Pennisetum orientale, commonly known as the oriental fountain grass, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae, native to North West Asia and North Africa. Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall and broad, this decorative perennial grass forms clumps with multiple tufted panicles up to 14 cm (5.5 in) in length.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Oriental Fountain Grass?
Water Oriental 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 Oriental Fountain Grass Native To?
What Is the Oriental Fountain Grass?
Oriental Fountain Grass (Pennisetum orientale) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Pennisetum genus. Oriental Fountain Grass is native to North West Asia and North Africa. Oriental Fountain Grass is also known as Feathertop.
Oriental Fountain Grass displays an upright, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Oriental Fountain Grass produces showy, feathery flower spikes in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Oriental Fountain Grass?
Pennisetum orientale 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 Oriental Fountain Grass Need?
Oriental Fountain Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oriental Fountain Grass Prefer?
Pennisetum orientale grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Oriental Fountain Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oriental Fountain Grass?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Oriental Fountain Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Oriental Fountain Grass?
Feed Oriental 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 Oriental 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 Oriental Fountain Grass?
Oriental Fountain Grass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fountain grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Oriental Fountain Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Oriental 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 Oriental Fountain Grass?
Oriental 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 Oriental Fountain Grass Need?
Oriental Fountain Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Oriental Fountain Grass is native to North West Asia and North Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Oriental 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.
Oriental Fountain Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pennisetum Species
Other Pennisetum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pennisetum orientale Rich., family Poaceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 1: 72 (1805)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Oriental 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 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Oriental 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