Why Is My Fountain Grass Browning?
Fountain grass is a beautiful and easy-to-grow ornamental grass that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. However, sometimes fountain grass can start to brown, which can be a frustrating problem for gardeners.
Causes of Browning Fountain Grass
There are several reasons why fountain grass may turn brown. Some of the most common causes include:
- End of the growing season: Fountain grass is a warm season grass, which means it goes dormant in the winter. When the weather starts to cool down, the older growth of fountain grass will naturally turn brown.
- Overwatering: Fountain grass does not like to be overwatered. If the soil is too wet, the roots of the grass can rot, which will cause the grass to turn brown.
- Excess fertilizer: Too much fertilizer can also cause fountain grass to turn brown. Fertilize fountain grass lightly, and only when necessary.
- Pot bound: If fountain grass is planted in a pot that is too small, the roots can become pot bound. This can restrict the growth of the grass and cause it to turn brown.
- Searing sunlight: Fountain grass can tolerate full sun, but it can be scorched by searing sunlight, especially in hot climates.
How to Fix Brown Tips on Fountain Grass
If the tips of your fountain grass are turning brown, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem:
- Check the soil moisture: Make sure the soil is not too wet. If the soil is soggy, reduce watering frequency.
- Fertilize lightly: If you have not fertilized your fountain grass recently, you can give it a light application of fertilizer. However, do not over-fertilize, as this can cause more harm than good.
- Repot: If your fountain grass is pot bound, you can repot it into a larger pot. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
- Provide shade: If your fountain grass is getting too much sun, you can provide it with some shade by planting it in a partially shaded area or by using a shade cloth.
How to Prune Browning Fountain Grass
It is not necessary to prune browning fountain grass, but it can improve the appearance of the plant. To prune fountain grass, simply gather the leaf blades into a ponytail and cut them off at the base of the plant. You can prune fountain grass at the end of the growing season or just before new growth begins in the spring.
Additional Tips for Preventing Browning Fountain Grass
In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to prevent browning fountain grass:
- Choose the right variety: There are some varieties of fountain grass that are more resistant to browning than others. When choosing a variety, be sure to ask your local nursery which varieties are best suited for your climate.
- Plant in well-drained soil: Fountain grass does not like to sit in wet soil. When planting fountain grass, be sure to choose a well-drained site.
- Water deeply and infrequently: Fountain grass does not need to be watered frequently. When you do water, water deeply to encourage the roots to grow deep into the soil.
