Check these first
- Look for orange or brown dust on the leaves.
- Check if the soil is soggy or waterlogged.
- Ensure the plant has good airflow.
Likely causes
Rust Fungus
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small orange or brown pustules on the blades. These spots often appear during humid or rainy weather.
What to do: Remove and discard the infected blades immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: Dark, mushy spots appear near the base of the plant. The soil stays wet for too long after watering.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent moisture buildup.
Find out what's wrong with your wavy hair-grass
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Rust can spread quickly and weaken the plant, so treat it as soon as you see it. Minor spots from water splashing are usually harmless.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry. Provide plenty of space between plants for air to move.
Wavy hair-grass: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wavy hair-grass and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Is rust contagious to other plants?
- Yes, rust spores can travel through the air to other susceptible plants. Isolate your grass until the infection is cleared.
- Can I use a fungicide?
- You can use a copper based fungicide if the infection is severe. Always follow the label instructions carefully.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Wavy hair-grass
Back to the Wavy hair-grass guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

