Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look closely at the underside of the leaves.
- Check if the leaves stay wet for long periods after rain.
- Ensure the plant has enough space between it and other plants.
Likely causes
Rust Fungus
Most likelyHow to tell: Small orange or brown powdery spots appear on the leaves during humid weather.
What to do: Remove and dispose of the infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Leaf Spot Disease
PossibleHow to tell: Darker, irregular spots with yellow halos appear on the foliage.
What to do: Keep the foliage dry by watering only at the base of the plant. Apply a copper fungicide if the infection persists.
When to worry
Rust can spread quickly and weaken the plant, so treat it as soon as you see the first spots. A few isolated spots are manageable, but a full infestation needs immediate action.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the soil level rather than over the leaves, and ensure your grass is planted in a location with excellent airflow.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your quaking grass.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Is rust contagious to my other plants?
- Yes, fungal spores can travel through the air or on water droplets. Keep infected plants isolated until they are healthy again.
- Can I save a plant covered in spots?
- If the majority of the foliage is affected, it is often best to cut the plant back to the ground. It will usually grow back healthy in the next season.
More problems with Quaking grass
Back to the Quaking grass guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.