Feathered Lovegrass
pennisetum pedicellatum
Also known as: ["Pennisetum alopecuroides var. pedicellatum","Lovegrass"]
Overview
A perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical regions, known for its feathery, bottlebrush-like inflorescences.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Pennisetum |
| Botanical Name: | Pennisetum pedicellatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Grasses
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in warm, sheltered area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done as needed; major pruning after flowering or in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to direct sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 2–3 weeks in dormancy
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots drain well.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in tropical and subtropical climates; sensitive to frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in winter
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch stem cutting just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic bag or dome.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite or sand); can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix, plastic bag or dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or yellowing leaves at the base.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged foliage; also prune after flowering to promote new blooms.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins, to allow recovery during active growth.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; also repot if the soil has degraded or drainage has worsened.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) or necrosis (browning tips) in cold stress; wilting or stunted growth in heat stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; prolonged exposure to frost may lead to plant death.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); use frost cloth or mulch to protect outdoor plants; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor; may go dormant in extreme heat if not watered adequately.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPennisetum pedicellatum is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicPennisetum pedicellatum is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicPennisetum pedicellatum is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans under normal conditions. The plant is generally considered safe for human contact and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pennisetum pedicellatum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Pennisetum pedicellatum?
A: Water sparingly; it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Pennisetum pedicellatum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its feathery inflorescences.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
