Fiber Optic Grass

Botanical Name: Isolepis cernua aka Scirpus cernuus

Fiber Optic Grass is a fountain-like ornamental grass with small, silvery white flowers at the tips. Its resemblance to fiber optic wire lends its common names, including Live Wire Grass.

If you like unusual indoor plants, you'll want to add this ornamental sedge to your collection.

Growing in a clumping mound, it spills over the sides of a container as it grows, making it ideal for a tall planter or even a hanging pot. Eye-catching on its own, this decorative grass also adds texture among a display of foliage and flowering plants.

Perennial and evergreen, this showy grass is an easy-care house plant. Keep it warm and moist, give it sunlight, and you can expect blooms from spring through fall.

Water generously. Don't allow the soil to dry out. Foliage will turn yellow then brown when it gets too dry. Water thoroughly and often to keep the soil at least evenly moist at all times. Fiber Optic Grass is native to marsh areas, so it doesn't mind soggy soil.

Repot in spring, moving up to a container 1 size larger every 2-3 years, or when it becomes crowded. Spring is also a good time to divide the plant, if you want.

Fiber Optic Grass Care Tips

Origin: Southern Europe and Northern Africa

Height: Up to 1 ft (30 cm)

Light: Bright light to full sun

Water: Keep the soil moist or wet at all times. Native to marshlands, this is one plant you can't overwater.

Humidity: Moderate room humidity

Temperature: Average to warm room temperatures (65-80°F/18-27°C) year-round. If you put this tender ornamental out on the patio for the summer, bring it back in when the temperature drops. It won't tolerate frost.

Soil: Peat moss-based potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Sow seed in spring, barely covering the seeds. Keep the soil warm (around 70°F/21°C) and constantly moist. Mature plants can be divided and potted separately.