Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the new, tender shoots.
- Check the undersides of the leaves for movement.
- Wipe a leaf with a white tissue to see if any insects come off.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the tender new shoots. They leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. Follow up with an application of insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry, hot conditions.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by grouping it with others. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.
Find out what's wrong with your grass family
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
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When to worry
If you see the plant losing vigor or the leaves curling, the infestation is likely advanced. Treat it immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.
Stopping it coming back
Regularly inspect your plant and keep it healthy with proper light and water. A strong, healthy plant is much less attractive to pests.
Grass family: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your grass family 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
- Are these bugs harmful to my other plants?
- Yes, aphids and mites can easily move to nearby plants. Isolate your bamboo until the pests are completely cleared.
- Can I use household soap to kill them?
- Avoid harsh dish soaps as they can burn the leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a very mild, non-detergent soap.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Grass family
Back to the Grass family 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.