The Pennisetum grass, which belongs to the sweet grass family, also offers an attractive sight in the pot. With its gently overhanging stalks and inflorescences that look like small brushes, Pennisetum creates a holiday feeling on balconies.
How do I care for Pennisetum grass on the balcony?
Pennisetum grass (Pennisetum) also thrives in a pot on the balcony, but requires regular watering with soft water, regular fertilization and a location that is as sunny as possible. For successful wintering, a cool, frost-free room is recommended.
The right location
The dense and bushy growing feather bristle grass tolerates full sun, but also feels comfortable on a partially shaded balcony.
Pennisetum as a container plant
The Pennisetum grass does not like waterlogging. When growing in pots, it is therefore important to ensure good water drainage. Place a shard of clay over the drain hole and fill in a drainage layer of expanded clay. In addition, it is recommended to mix the soil with some hydroponic substrate.
Before you use the ornamental grass, you should immerse the root ball in water until no more bubbles appear. This helps the green plant grow.
Water and fertilize the pennisetum properly
Pennisetum needs to be watered regularly when grown in a pot on the balcony:
- The watering takes place before the top substrate layer dries out.
- Use soft, low-lime water, such as rainwater or well-stale tap water.
- It shouldn't be too cold, but should be the same temperature as the surroundings.
Fertilization is carried out with liquid green plant fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon) or special fertilizer for ornamental grasses kept in pots.
The wintering
As Pennisetum grass cultivated in a pot is only partially hardy, you should bring it into the house before the first frost. A cool, frost-free room that is moderately bright is well suited. An unheated basement room or a garage with a window would be ideal.
You rarely have to see goats during hibernation. However, make sure that the root ball does not dry out completely and water a little if necessary.
Pruning in spring
As with ornamental grasses cultivated in the garden, the pennisetum grass is cut back in spring. At this point you can prune it vigorously and cut off all the stalks a hand's breadth above the ground. It then grows back lush green again.
Tip
The feather bristle grass is non-toxic and therefore harmless to pets and children. However, the edges of the hard leaves are very sharp and can cause nasty cuts. Cats that chew on the stems and swallow them are also at risk, as the grasses get stuck in the throat and trachea and can injure the mucous membranes.
