What's eating my east indian lemongrass?

East Indian Lemongrass is notably pest-resistant due to its citronella-like oils. The primary threat outdoors is rust fungus rather than insects, but armyworms and grasshoppers can chew through leaves in warm climates. Aphids occasionally colonise tender new shoots. Overall, this is one of the lower-maintenance herbs from a pest-management perspective.

Ragged chewing damage on leaf blades; large sections of foliage stripped in summer and autumn Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for armyworms; use row covers in grasshopper-prone areas

Sticky honeydew on new growth; small clusters of insects at shoot bases and on inner leaf sheaths Dislodge with a water jet; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; beneficial insects provide adequate control in most gardens

Fine bronzing or stippling on leaf surfaces in hot, dry conditions; very fine webbing visible on close inspection Increase humidity and overhead irrigation; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce predatory mites