What's eating my fiber optic grass?

Fiber Optic Grass (Isolepis cernua) loves consistently moist compost indoors, which makes it prone to fungus gnats whose larvae damage roots in waterlogged soil. Spider mites attack in dry conditions. Aphids occasionally colonise the fine stems. Keeping the plant in bright light with controlled watering (moist but not stagnant) eliminates most pest entry points. Fungus gnats are the number-one issue.

Tiny flies hovering around the pot; larvae in the compost eat fine roots, causing yellowing, poor growth, and stem collapse in severe cases Allow the top layer of compost to partially dry between waterings; apply a BTi drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults; top-dress with horticultural grit to deter egg-laying

Fine pale stippling along the thread-like stems; foliage loses its fresh green colour; very fine webbing in a heavy infestation Increase humidity around the plant; mist the stems daily; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray and repeat weekly until clear

Small colonies on the fine stems and around the base of the drooping flower tufts; sticky residue on leaves below Remove with a gentle water spray; apply diluted insecticidal soap; natural predators handle light infestations if the plant is moved outdoors in summer