skip to main content

Ornamental Grasses

Fiber optic grass

18 years ago

Has anyone had any luck with bringing their fiber optic grass inside during the winter? I tried it last year, but waited too long to bring it in. It had already started to die back. (No, it didn't come back in the spring). It is still looking good and was wondering about over-wintering it inside. Does it continue to grow? Do you give it a "hair cut" esp. around the bottom of the plant? Thanks for any info!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

AgastacheMan
18 years ago
Washington State Coast right? I live in zone 7, and I have my Isolepsis overwinter in the ground and the pond every year. I do make sure to cut back the old growth before Spring, so that the plant can push new growth without problems. Over-wintering inside can be done, although try to keep it in a relative mild climate inside the house. Do not put it by a heater, fireplace etc. because it will fade, dry up, and spit at you. The best thing to do is find a sheltered sight outside, and overwinter it in soil while being on the moist side for the stolon protection.
stephju
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks, AgastacheMan, for your knowledgeable reply. I am experimenting...half of the gras went into the ground in a protected area, 1/4 was given a hair cut, and brought inside, 1/4 was simply repotted and brought inside. Should be interesting. Again, thanks for your help!
Related Discussions
Question about a couple of plants....
Q
Comments (13)
Thanks for the info. I potted the bloody dock up for the pond, but I have a feeling it would do better for me outside the pond. I really like the looks of this plant...might tuck it between two rocks. I'm thinking maybe the fiber obtic grass could make it in my waterfall (which is a very gentle stream). I'm just looking for more interesting ways to use these plants rather than just plopping them in pots and setting them on the pond shelf. Besides, with all the iris and canna I bought, I probably don't have enough shelf anyway!
...See More
HAVE: Cannas
Q
Comments (3)
Hello! I'm interested in some of your tall red cannas and yellow lotus seeds. I do have some miniature water lilies, some feather-grass and sage to trade. I also have plenty of other kinds of herbs, daylilies, tall cat-tails and a lot of started golden weeping willows.Let me know. You can email me at cin_haynes@yahoo.com Please keep in mind, I am way up here in Michigan, so I would want to wait until about mid-May to collect any trades, so I know they are good, growing specimens that I send you.
...See More
WANTED: wanted japanese forest grass/black mondo grass
Q
Comments (0)
I live in the Piedmont Area and really really really want some Japanese Forest grass and black mondo grass. I have many different types of grasses I could trade my page is not updated but I would be willing to trade for Pony tail grass blue fescue quaking grass winddancer grass Carex prarie fire lemon grass fiber optic grass jobs tears prarie dropseed blue grass indian grass little bluestem chinese silver grass ruby grass bridal veil grass needle grass Black mondry grass purple majesty millet coolio Dwarf umbrella palm maiden grass switch grass Thank you Would to prefer to trade only in my local area thank you A little will be fine
...See More
Fiber Optic Grass
Q
Comments (4)
The Fiber Optic plant grows well under same moist conditions as Equisetum and Lysimachia nummularia 'aurea' and looks great in same pot. I just keep clay pot sitting in deep saucer of water. I water from top. Often saucer will dry out but generally soil stays very moist. All 3 plants are hardy here, the Equisetum evergreen, the other two dying back to roots when we have a cold winter. josh
...See More
wetdogfarm (z3b,MN)
17 years ago
Just wondering how your indoor plant of fiber optic faired this winter, stephju? I live in zone 3 and I brought mine in and kept the pots in a water bath, low light, 60 degree basement. They did ok for several months but didn't stay alive until April. I read somewhere that they can be treated as a houseplant if kept wet, even in lower light, getting larger every year. I suppose my light was TOO low. I don't have the option of wintering outside. I tried direct sowing (what I think was) seed from the plant tips into my garden in the fall, as of today I haven't seen anything sprout. Anyone out there with any seeding experience with this plant?
flybynyte
17 years ago
I had fiber optic grass growing in a window box (along with other things) last summer. In the fall, I dug out the fiber optic grass, divided it, placed it in some pots, and grew it indoors over the winter. I placed it in a east facing window (btw, I found it will do just fine in low light area), kept it moist, and it did just fine. In fact, it started getting so big, I had to give it a haircut----couple of times. This spring, I divided one plant again, and gave some away.

BTW, I live in z4, so, I had to bring it in if I wanted it to survive the winter.
stephju
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi Wetdogfarm,
Re: Fiber optic grass..Both of the ones I brought inside died. The one I planted in the ground died. The one I planted in the ground, pot and all lived and is currently doing extremely well. Good luck..it certainly is one heck of an experiment, isn't it!?

Related Stories

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Natural and Upcycled Fiber Rug Sale

Give your floors an earthy update with up to 55% off

0

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Simply Sea Grass

Bring a subtle coastal charm to your home with sea grass furnishings and accents

0

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Is It Time to Consider Fake Grass?

By J. Peterson Garden Design

With more realistic-looking options than ever, synthetic turf can be a boon. Find the benefits and an installation how-to here

DECORATING GUIDES Walls Have a Field Day With Grass Cloth

By Lisa Frederick

Rustic or refined, richly textured grass cloth provides a burst of natural freshness to your interior decorating

GARDENING GUIDES Meet the Grass-Carrying Wasp, a Gentle Pollinator of Summer Flowers

By Pollination Press LLC

These fascinating insects nest in wood cavities and hollow plant stems

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Concrete Ideas for Patios and Decks

By Urban Gardens

Look to lightweight fiber cement for functional outdoor furniture and accessories that are heavy on style

GARDENING GUIDES Houzz Call: What’s Your Favorite Backyard Beauty?

By Stacy Briscoe

The simple, honest daisy is this writer’s go-to garden flower. We want to hear which plant, flowering or otherwise, gives you special joy

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Tropical Beauties for a Sun-Drenched Border

These standouts hold up in drought, heat and humidity — and their good looks hold up to scrutiny

GREEN DECORATING Bamboo Products — Earth Friend or Foe?

By Julia Pockett

The ecofriendliness of this grass for flooring, wall coverings and furniture isn't cut and dried. Get the facts here

LIFE Savor Natural Scents at Home

By Laura Gaskill

Bread fresh from the oven, luscious lavender, just-mown grass ... the loveliest fragrances for the home are also the most natural

Sponsored

Red Pine Landscaping

Industry Leading Landscape Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Pennisetum orientale

2