Pest identification
What's eating my typha minima?
Bulrush wainscot moth (Nonagria typhae)
Signs: Larvae bore into stems, causing individual shoots to wilt; less common on dwarf forms than T. latifolia
Control: Cut and destroy affected stems below the waterline. Remove old dead stems in autumn to reduce egg-laying sites.
Reed beetle (Donacia spp.)
Signs: Bleached linear feeding scars on leaves; adults notch leaf edges
Control: Tolerate minor damage. Remove heavily affected leaves; improve plant vigour by dividing congested clumps every 2–3 years.
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on shoot tips in spring; sticky honeydew and distorted growth
Control: Knock off with a water jet. Attract beneficial insects with nearby flowering plants.
Keep typha minima pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Typha minima pests — FAQ
What is eating my typha minima?
Dwarf reedmace (Typha minima) can be attacked by bulrush wainscot moth larvae boring into stems, though its small stature makes it less targeted than larger Typha. Aphids occasionally colonise shoot tips. Reed beetles may graze leaves. In garden ponds, it is generally a low-maintenance plant with few serious pest threats.
How do I get rid of bulrush wainscot moth (nonagria typhae) on typha minima?
Larvae bore into stems, causing individual shoots to wilt; less common on dwarf forms than T. latifolia Cut and destroy affected stems below the waterline. Remove old dead stems in autumn to reduce egg-laying sites.
How do I get rid of reed beetle (donacia spp.) on typha minima?
Bleached linear feeding scars on leaves; adults notch leaf edges Tolerate minor damage. Remove heavily affected leaves; improve plant vigour by dividing congested clumps every 2–3 years.
How do I get rid of aphids on typha minima?
Colonies on shoot tips in spring; sticky honeydew and distorted growth Knock off with a water jet. Attract beneficial insects with nearby flowering plants.