Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
- Check for sticky residue on the stems.
- Inspect the plant for fine, silky webbing.
Likely causes
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on the new growth or stems. They leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the insects. You can also spray the plant with a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap. Repeat this every 5 days until the pests are gone.
Spider mites
PossibleHow to tell: Fine webbing appears between the stems or leaves. The leaves may look speckled or dusty.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or using a pebble tray. Wash the plant thoroughly with a gentle stream of water to dislodge the mites. Keep the plant away from hot, dry air vents.
Find out what's wrong with your hairy brome
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.
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When to worry
Pests are serious if they cover the entire plant or cause the leaves to curl and drop. Normal dust can look like mites, so check for movement before treating.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with proper light and water to make it less attractive to pests. Periodically wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust free.
Hairy brome: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hairy brome 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
- Can I use neem oil?
- Neem oil is an effective treatment for most pests on this grass. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from direct light.
- How do I stop them from coming back?
- Keep the plant in a well ventilated area and avoid over fertilizing, as high nitrogen levels can attract aphids. Regularly inspecting your plant helps you catch any issues early.
Guides to these causes
More problems with hairy brome
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.