Monkey Grass Disease: Crown Rot Causes Yellow Leaves

For the most part, monkey grass, also known as lilyturf, is a hardy plant. It is frequently used in landscaping for borders and edging. But, despite that fact that monkey grass is able to take a lot of abuse, it is still susceptible to disease. One disease in particular that it is susceptible to is crown rot.

What is Monkey Grass Crown Rot?
Monkey grass crown rot is caused by a fungus that thrive is moist, and warm. Normally, this problem is found in warmer, more humid states but it can occur in cooler areas as well.

Symptoms of Monkey Grass Crown Rot
The signs of monkey grass crow rot are a yellowing of the older leaves from the base of the plant. Eventually the whole leaf will turn yellow from the bottom up. Younger leaves will turn brown before reaching maturity.

You may also notice a white, thread like substance in the soil around the plant. This is the fungus. There may also be tiny white to reddish brown balls scattered around the base of the plant. This is also the crown rot fungus.

Treatment for Monkey Grass Crown Rot
Unfortunately there is no effective treatment for monkey grass crown rot. You should immediately remove any infected plants from the area and treat the area repeatedly with fungicide. Even with treatment, you may not be able to rid the area of the crown rot fungus and it may spread to other plants.

Avoid planting any new plants in the area that may also be susceptible to crown rot. Hostas, peonies, bleeding heart, daylilies, periwinkle and lily-of-the-valley are some of the more popular plants included in the list of susceptible plants, but this is not a complete list. There are over 200 plants that are susceptible to crown rot.

Contact Information

Gardening Know How
57 Wandle Ave
Bedford, OH 44146