This small, grass-like plant looks like a fiber-optic lamp.
Often found growing in wet or peaty areas near the sea, fiber-optic grass is a cosmopolitan grass.
Although it looks like a grass, fiber-optic grass is an evergreen species in the sedge family.
The flowers are cone-shaped and start out as white or silver, eventually turning tan or brown.
It has a slow to moderate growth rate.
Fiber-optic grass is toxic to humans and pets.
Its small stature makes it a perfect choice for miniature orfairy gardens.
Fiber-optic grass also works well when grown as a houseplant in a sunny window.
Dig a hole that is about 1.5 times as wide as the root ball and about as deep.
Set the plant in the hole and backfill it with original soil.
Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart.
Fiber-Optic Grass Care Tips
Light
Fiber-optic grass prefersfull sun.
It can handle some shade but will develop a much looser growth habit.
Soil and Water
Plenty of moisture is key.
Fiber-optic grass turns brown if allowed to dry out.
The idealsoil pHis slightly acidic, between 5.8 and 6.2.
Bring the pot inside when the foliage changes color and before freezing temperatures start.
At the same time, plants submerged in water are also susceptible to overfertilization.
Use balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half of the strength indicated on the label.
Apply it once a month from spring through early fall.
Avoid cutting the plant back in the winter when it is not growing.
Repot it in a larger pot when it has outgrown its container.
Pest and Problems
Fiber-optic grass does not typically have pest or disease issues.
How to Propagate Fiber-Optic Grass
Fiber-optic grass can be propagated from seed or bydivision.
When grown in the garden, it also self-seeds.
Start the seedsindoors in small pots filled with damp potting mix.
Gently press them into the soil, they need light to germinate.
The seeds germinate in 14 to 21 days.
The plant can also be divided.
This should only be done in the spring, as it can injure the roots.
Plant these into the garden at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
In cooler climates, it is grown as an annual, blooming from early to late summer.
It can also be grown as a houseplant.
The change in foliage color may be seasonal.
When temperatures drop, the foliage may change from the bright green to yellow or brown.
The inflorescences at the tip of each leaf also turn tan or brown in the fall.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Fiber Optic Grass.National Gardening Association.
