Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the underside of the leaves for powdery spores.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other vegetation.
- Observe if the spots appear after a long rainy spell.
Likely causes
Rust fungus
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small orange or reddish brown pustules on the leaf surfaces. These spots often look like dust that rubs off on your fingers.
What to do: Remove and destroy the infected foliage to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant by thinning out dense clumps. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.
Leaf spot disease
PossibleHow to tell: These spots are usually darker, often with a yellow halo around them. They appear as distinct lesions rather than powdery dust.
What to do: Clean up all fallen plant debris around the base of the grass. Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection is severe. Ensure the plant is in a spot with full sun and good airflow.
Find out what's wrong with your indiangrass
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
It is normal to see a few spots after a very wet season, but you should worry if the entire clump starts turning yellow or dying back.
Stopping it coming back
Plant your Indiangrass in full sun with plenty of space between plants to ensure the leaves dry quickly after rain.
Indiangrass: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your indiangrass 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.
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Questions people ask
- Will these spots kill my grass?
- Usually no, but it can weaken the plant over time. Keeping the area clean and dry helps it recover.
- Should I cut the whole plant down?
- Only if the infection is widespread. Otherwise, just trim away the worst affected leaves.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Indiangrass
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.