Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for signs of fungal growth.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.
- Feel the soil to ensure it is not constantly soggy.
Likely causes
Fungal Leaf Spot
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see dark, circular, or irregular spots on the leaves that may have a yellow halo. These often appear when the plant stays wet for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant by moving it to a spot with better ventilation and avoid misting the foliage.
Rust Fungus
PossibleHow to tell: This shows up as orange or brown pustules on the leaf surfaces. It thrives in damp, humid conditions.
What to do: Prune away infected stems to reduce the fungal load. Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection persists and keep the leaves dry when watering.
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the spots are spreading rapidly to new growth, you need to act quickly. A few isolated spots on older leaves are usually not a major concern.
Stopping it coming back
Water only at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and provide plenty of space between plants for air to move.
Grass family: spots? 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
- Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
- Yes, it is best to remove them to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy parts of the plant. Always use clean, sharp shears.
- Can I save a bamboo plant with severe leaf spots?
- If the main stalks are still firm and green, you can likely save it. Focus on pruning and improving the environment.
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.