Pest identification
What's eating my acorus gramineus?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing at leaf bases; leaves develop pale stippling and yellowing, worsened by low humidity
Control: Mist regularly to boost humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, repeating weekly for 3–4 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white cottony masses tucked into leaf-base joints; sticky honeydew and slow growth
Control: Swab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud; follow with insecticidal soap spray; isolate affected plants immediately
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots in moist compost; adults are a nuisance indicator of overwatering
Control: Let the top layer of compost surface dry slightly; yellow sticky traps for adults; Bti drench for larvae
Keep acorus gramineus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Acorus gramineus pests — FAQ
What is eating my acorus gramineus?
Japanese sweet flag kept as a houseplant is most commonly attacked by spider mites, especially when indoor air is dry. Mealybugs occasionally infest the leaf bases. Fungus gnats breed in the moist soil conditions this plant needs. Outdoors in mild climates, aphids and slugs may also be a concern.
How do I get rid of spider mites on acorus gramineus?
Fine webbing at leaf bases; leaves develop pale stippling and yellowing, worsened by low humidity Mist regularly to boost humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, repeating weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on acorus gramineus?
Fluffy white cottony masses tucked into leaf-base joints; sticky honeydew and slow growth Swab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud; follow with insecticidal soap spray; isolate affected plants immediately
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on acorus gramineus?
Larvae damage fine roots in moist compost; adults are a nuisance indicator of overwatering Let the top layer of compost surface dry slightly; yellow sticky traps for adults; Bti drench for larvae