Pest identification
What's eating my adiantum venustum?
Slugs & snails
Signs: Ragged holes or entirely missing young fronds overnight
Control: Apply iron-phosphate pellets around the crown; clear leaf litter; use copper tape around containers
Vine weevil (larvae)
Signs: Sudden wilting as white C-shaped grubs devour roots
Control: Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist soil in spring and late summer; remove adults found under pots at night
Aphids
Signs: Curled, sticky new fronds with visible soft-bodied insects
Control: Blast with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray
Keep adiantum venustum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Adiantum venustum pests — FAQ
What is eating my adiantum venustum?
Adiantum venustum (Himalayan maidenhair) is a garden fern troubled mainly by slugs and snails on young fronds, vine weevil larvae attacking roots, and aphids on new growth. Keep the area clear of debris to deter slugs. In sheltered spots vine weevil is the most persistent threat to established plants.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on adiantum venustum?
Ragged holes or entirely missing young fronds overnight Apply iron-phosphate pellets around the crown; clear leaf litter; use copper tape around containers
How do I get rid of vine weevil (larvae) on adiantum venustum?
Sudden wilting as white C-shaped grubs devour roots Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist soil in spring and late summer; remove adults found under pots at night
How do I get rid of aphids on adiantum venustum?
Curled, sticky new fronds with visible soft-bodied insects Blast with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray