Pennisetum macrourum — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Pennisetum macrourum

Pennisetum Macrourum

Updated · 17 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Cenchrus caudatus,, commonly known as African feather grass, is a C4 perennial bunch grass native to tropical and southern Africa, extending to the Arabian Peninsula.

A note from PlantMom

Cenchrus macrourus shows strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Cenchrus macrourus is well suited to anyone with an outdoor area, like a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Pennisetum Macrourum.

Light

Cenchrus macrourus is a perennial herbaceous species that prefers sunny conditions and is native to open habitats, commonly found in meadows and grasslands. It favors full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Temperature

Cenchrus macrourus comes from tropical areas, where the climate is characteristically warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so it is important to prevent temperature fluctuations indoors. It typically cannot withstand cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Cenchrus macrourus needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, placing compost around the base of the plant will effectively supply the nutrition it requires. Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and helps the plant resist diseases and pests.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Pennisetum
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-11
Mature Height
0.91 m to 1.83 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Size
10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Native Area
Saudi Arabia, Malawi, Somalia, Lesotho, Angola, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Nigeria, Guinea, Yemen, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Benin, Central African Republic, Gabon, Cameroon, Togo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Congo (DRC), Botswana, Congo
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en African feather grass en Bedding grass en Waterside-reed en African feathergrass
PLATES
Pennisetum macrourum leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Pennisetum macrourum leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Pennisetum macrourum flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Pennisetum macrourum flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Pennisetum macrourum fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Pennisetum macrourum fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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