Pest identification
What's eating my naomi hakone grass?
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes and chewed edges across the soft foliage, worst in cool, wet weather
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets or diatomaceous earth around the crown; hand-pick after dark
Aphids
Signs: Clustered soft-bodied insects on fresh shoots producing sticky honeydew and slight leaf curl
Control: Dislodge with a water jet; spray with insecticidal soap if colonies persist into summer
Rust (Puccinia spp.)
Signs: Orange pustules on leaf undersides, leading to yellowing and early senescence
Control: Cut out affected blades, thin the clump for better airflow, and keep foliage dry
Keep naomi hakone grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Naomi Hakone Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my naomi hakone grass?
Naomi Hakone Grass shares the same low pest burden as other Hakonechloa cultivars. Slugs and snails are the most consistent nuisance in shaded, damp spots, gnawing holes in the graceful striped blades. Aphids occasionally appear in spring. The plant has no serious insect enemies and is generally deer resistant.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on naomi hakone grass?
Ragged holes and chewed edges across the soft foliage, worst in cool, wet weather Use iron phosphate pellets or diatomaceous earth around the crown; hand-pick after dark
How do I get rid of aphids on naomi hakone grass?
Clustered soft-bodied insects on fresh shoots producing sticky honeydew and slight leaf curl Dislodge with a water jet; spray with insecticidal soap if colonies persist into summer
How do I get rid of rust (puccinia spp.) on naomi hakone grass?
Orange pustules on leaf undersides, leading to yellowing and early senescence Cut out affected blades, thin the clump for better airflow, and keep foliage dry