My Mondo Grass Is Dying

Fern Scale

• Though mondo grass is a tough plant that requires little maintenance, it is still to vulnerable to pests like fern scale. Tiny insects, fern scale invasions are often accompanied by ants, who consume the sweet honeydew they secrete, according to the Washington Post. To rid mondo grass of fern scale, trim it down to the crown in the spring and treat new mondo grass with an acephate-containing pesticide. If no new grass appears, it has died and needs replacing.

Poor Soil

• Like any plant, mondo grass need fertile soil, high in nutrients and minerals, to survive. Poor soil leads to the death of mondo grass, but the right prep work will take care of the problem. When mondo grass is newly planted, give it a monthly dose of a 5-10-15 fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. For the first six months after planting, the Augusta Chronicle recommends treating with liquid fertilizer once a month as well.

Root Rot

• Poorly drained, heavy soil can lead to root rot in mondo grass, called the "most serious disease" of the plant by the University of Hawaii. Root rot is the result of infestation by the Pythium splendens fungus and first attacks the tips of mondo grass, before entire blades begin to yellow as they eventually turn brown and die. Antifungal treatments can be poured over mondo grass to fight root rot, and covering the affected area with mulch also helps.

Unsuitable Conditions

• Mondo grass can endure conditions that would kill other grass varieties, but is still vulnerable if grown under the wrong conditions. If possible, plant mondo grass under the shade of another plant, like a leafy tree. Though it can withstand drought conditions and intense sunlight, a little shade keeps mondo grass healthier. If it's not possible to provide mondo grass with shade, water frequently to keep it well hydrated. Cold snaps also harm mondo grass and may cause its leaves to die off.