Purple Fountain Grass Rooted Cutting Liner

For best results with Purple Fountain , grow one rooted plug per 4-inch or three to five per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8-6.2, EC of 0.6-0.9 mS/cm (2:1), average daily temperatures of 60-75, and low feed (100-150 ppm N). This plant grows best in full sun with moderate water and doesn't require PGRs or pinching. Watch for root rot, aphids, and spider mites.

Purple Fountain Grass will bloom naturally in the spring, summer, and fall as the days are long. It produces a long, wheat-like bloom with purple and burgundy hairs on the seedhead.

Purple Fountain Grass does not require pinching.

This plant is versatile, growing well in 4-inch containers or large combination pots. Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant. 

Plant growth regulators are not necessary.

Watch for aphids and spider mites as part of your commercial greenhouse's Integrated Pest Management program.

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cause damage by sucking sap from plant tissue. They reproduce quickly and are particularly attracted to young growth. Curling and yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and stickiness on leaves are signs of an infestation. These insects also spread diseases and reproduce rapidly. Use biological controls or horticultural oils to discourage and kill aphids.

Spider Mites are tiny pests that cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing on foliage by feeding on plant sap. They flourish in warm, dry environments. Use correct water and fertilizing practices; over-fertilizing can attract spider mites. Proper humidity levels, predatory mites or ladybugs, and insecticidal soaps or oils may prevent or address a spider mite infestation.

Purple Fountain is not prone to many diseases, but don't oversaturate the soil. If the plant sits in moist soil for an extended amount of time, you could end up with root rot or botrytis. 

Botrytis is a common fungal disease that causes brown spots on stems, leaves, and flowers. Remove and destroy affected plants, maintain appropriate humidity levels, and apply fungicides with boscalid, fenhexamid, or iprodione to control the spread. Water plants in the morning and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Root Rot occurs in poorly drained or overly wet soil, which becomes the host for several types of fungi. It causes stunted growth, wilting, and root system decay. Prevention is the best treatment, and you will avoid most root rot problems by using clean, well-draining media, appropriate containers, and good watering practices for finishing seedling plugs. Inspect plants for signs of disease regularly. Repot infected plants in well-draining soil, adjust your watering schedule, provide better airflow, and use a fungicide if needed.

We recommend planting one rooted plug per 4-inch container or three to five per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil and completely bury the ellepots evenly spaced or centered in the container.