Photo: Abdenour KheloufiCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Foxtail fescuegrass Plant Care
Vulpiella stipoides (L.) Maire
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its feathery, delicate leaves that resemble fox tails. Originally from South Africa, Vulpiella stipoides is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and striking appearance, adding a touch of whimsy to any garden or indoor space.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Foxtail fescuegrass?
Water Foxtail fescuegrass every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Foxtail fescuegrass Native To?
What Is the Foxtail fescuegrass?
Foxtail fescuegrass (Vulpiella stipoides) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Vulpiella genus. Foxtail fescuegrass is native to the western Mediterranean region.
Foxtail fescuegrass displays a tall, spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Foxtail fescuegrass produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Foxtail fescuegrass?
Vulpiella stipoides requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Foxtail fescuegrass Need?
Foxtail fescuegrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Foxtail fescuegrass Prefer?
Vulpiella stipoides grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Foxtail fescuegrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Foxtail fescuegrass?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Foxtail fescuegrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Foxtail fescuegrass?
Feed Foxtail fescuegrass 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 Foxtail fescuegrass?
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 Foxtail fescuegrass?
Foxtail fescuegrass can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Foxtail fescuegrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Foxtail fescuegrass, 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 Foxtail fescuegrass?
Foxtail fescuegrass 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 Foxtail fescuegrass Need?
Foxtail fescuegrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Foxtail fescuegrass is native to the western Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Foxtail fescuegrass 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 Vulpiella genus — compare its care with other Vulpiella species on PlantoScan.
Vulpiella is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Foxtail fescuegrass 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: Vulpiella stipoides (L.) Maire, family Poaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Hist. Nat. Afrique N. 33: 95 (1942)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Foxtail fescuegrass, 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: Abdenour Kheloufi, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, 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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