Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the leaves for irregular chewing patterns.
- Look for slimy trails on the soil surface.
- Check the base of the plants at night with a flashlight.
Likely causes
Slugs and snails
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see irregular holes chewed into the leaves and shiny mucus trails on the soil or foliage.
What to do: Handpick the pests in the evening when they are active. You can also place shallow dishes of beer near the plants to trap them or use iron phosphate bait pellets around the base.
Cutworms
PossibleHow to tell: These larvae chew through the base of the grass blades, causing them to fall over or disappear entirely.
What to do: Check the soil around the base of the damaged plants at night with a flashlight. Remove any larvae you find and dispose of them in soapy water.
Find out what's wrong with your mondo 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
Small amounts of damage are usually fine, but if the entire patch is being eaten, you need to act quickly to save the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around your Mondo grass clear of debris and leaf litter where pests like to hide during the day.
Mondo grass: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mondo 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
- Will my Mondo grass recover from slug damage?
- Yes, it will grow back once the pests are removed. Just be patient and keep the plant healthy.
- Are chemical pesticides safe for Mondo grass?
- It is better to use organic methods like iron phosphate baits. Harsh chemicals can sometimes burn the delicate foliage.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Mondo grass
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.