What Are Brown Spots on Monkey Grass?

Identification

• Blight causes the leaves on monkey grass to turn brown and die back. Spots on monkey grass due to blight vary in color from dark brown to reddish brown. Blight affects just the tips or the entire leaf. While monkey grass is likely to survive blight, it does look unsightly.

Treatment

• Use clippers to cut back small sections of blight. For larger areas of affected monkey grass, set a lawn mower to the highest setting. While Mississippi State University suggests cutting the grass to about 6 inches tall, there is little need to worry about cutting monkey grass too short. Monkey grass is able to be cut down to the growing crown near the soil line without killing the plant. Rake up all the damaged foliage and discard it; any remaining pieces cause the fungus to return.

Timing

• It's best to cut monkey grass just before the active growing season begins. This gives the plant enough time to grow back. Cutting the damage off too early, such as the middle of winter, leaves the plant exposed to the elements and causes further damage.

Considerations

• If the brown spots on the monkey grass are limited to the tips of the plant, the monkey grass is likely receiving too much light. Some monkey grass varieties, such as Ophiopogon japonicus, do not do well in hot sunny locales such as areas of South Texas. Add shade to area, or replant the monkey grass in another location. Ensure that the plant receives adequate moisture to keep it well hydrated.

  Yellow or brown slimy leaves indicate root rot. The plant is likely receiving too much water, or the soil isn't draining effectively. Check the roots of the plant; healthy roots look white and firm, but rotting roots are brown and mushy.