What's eating my blue star fern?

Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum) is relatively pest-resistant but can develop scale insects on its thick fronds, particularly along the midrib. Spider mites occur in dry air, and fungus gnats are attracted to its consistently moist growing medium. Scale is the most damaging pest — brown bumps along frond margins are the key warning sign.

Small brown bumps along frond midribs and undersides; yellow patches on frond surface; sticky secretions Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every two weeks until clear

Pale stippling on the blue-green fronds; fine webbing at frond bases; fronds look dull and may brown Raise humidity; rinse fronds with lukewarm water; spray insecticidal soap to all surfaces weekly

Adults around moist soil; larvae chew roots, slowing growth — especially damaging in younger plants Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly; apply a Bti-based soil drench; add yellow sticky traps near the pot