Pest identification
What's eating my citronella grass?
Aphids
Signs: Small soft insects clustered on new growth; leaves yellow slightly, sticky honeydew present.
Control: Knock off with a strong water spray; insecticidal soap if colonies persist; encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils and at stem bases; plant vigor declines in heavy infestations.
Control: Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray for widespread attack.
Grasshoppers (various spp.)
Signs: Ragged chewed edges along leaf blades, especially during hot dry summers; rarely serious enough to threaten plant health.
Control: Kaolin clay spray acts as a deterrent; row covers protect young plants; hand-removal in small gardens.
Keep citronella grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Citronella Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my citronella grass?
Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is remarkably pest-resistant thanks to its strongly aromatic oils. Aphids occasionally colonize tender new shoots, and mealybugs can appear in warm sheltered spots. Grasshoppers may chew leaves during drought. Overall, pest pressure is low and chemical intervention is rarely needed.
How do I get rid of aphids on citronella grass?
Small soft insects clustered on new growth; leaves yellow slightly, sticky honeydew present. Knock off with a strong water spray; insecticidal soap if colonies persist; encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on citronella grass?
White cottony masses in leaf axils and at stem bases; plant vigor declines in heavy infestations. Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray for widespread attack.
How do I get rid of grasshoppers (various spp.) on citronella grass?
Ragged chewed edges along leaf blades, especially during hot dry summers; rarely serious enough to threaten plant health. Kaolin clay spray acts as a deterrent; row covers protect young plants; hand-removal in small gardens.