The pretty hemispherical-forming pennisetum (Pennisetum) belongs to the family of sweet grasses. Extremely easy to care for and robust, it is suitable as an attractive companion plant for flower beds and sets attractive accents thanks to the false spikes that look like small brushes. If the leaves wither, this can have various causes, which we would like to get to the bottom of in this article.
What to do if the Pennisetum withers?
Pennisetum (Pennisetum) can wither for the following reasons: lack of water, root rot due to waterlogging, or lack of nutrients. Regular watering, improving the soil structure and drainage as well as a sufficient supply of nutrients through compost and fertilizer can help.
The stalks seem to dry up in winter
In summer, the leaves of Pennisetum turn golden yellow in autumn and dry out during the winter months. This is normal because the dead parts naturally protect the plant from ice and snow.
Never cut the pennisetum in autumn, but only in spring before new growth. At the beginning of the cold season, the leaves are simply tied together.
In spring, loosen the tuft and shorten all stalks about a hand's width above the ground. This promotes sprouting and you will soon be able to enjoy beautifully thriving ornamental grass again.
Dry stalks and brown leaf tips
If these symptoms appear during the growing season, care errors are usually the cause:
- The pennisetum grass is too dry.
- Waterlogging has led to root rot.
- The plant suffers from a lack of nutrients.
Remedy
Water shortage
If the leaf tips and stalks turn brown, this is usually due to drought damage. Young plants in particular need regular watering during the summer months because the root ball must never dry out completely.
Although the ornamental grass is robust, it needs just the right amount of water. You should always water when the top layer of soil feels dry. During hot periods this may even be necessary twice a day, morning and evening.
Root rot
If the soil is heavily compacted or the water has difficulty draining, the plant will have permanently wet feet. Pennisetum is then prone to root rot. The damaged storage organs can no longer fulfill their task and the pennisetum dies of thirst.
Soak clay soils with plenty of sand when planting. It also makes sense to have a drainage layer that ensures good water drainage.
Nutrient Deficiency
The perennial Pennisetum needs sufficient nutrients to thrive. If these are missing, the leaves change color or dry out.
Mix the substrate with some compost when planting. In addition, it has proven useful to fertilize once a year with longer-acting perennial fertilizer (€11.00 on Amazon) or, according to the package instructions, with green plant fertilizer.
Tip
When optimally cared for, Pennisetum grass grows quickly. It can double in size in the first year after planting. Therefore, give it enough space so that it grows into a beautiful hemisphere and produces many flowers.
