What's eating my autumn fern 'brilliance'?

Autumn Fern 'Brilliance' grown indoors is susceptible to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs — the standard houseplant fern pests. Its coppery new growth is a sign of health, but stressed plants (too dry or too bright) attract mites quickly. Fungus gnats can colonize overwet soil. Maintain steady moisture and moderate humidity to keep the plant resilient.

Webbing and pale stippling on frond undersides; coppery-bronze colour fades to a dull yellow-brown in infested areas. Increase humidity; rinse foliage; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks.

Small bumps on stems and frond midribs; honeydew; fronds discolour and drop prematurely. Scrape off with an alcohol-dipped brush; spray with horticultural oil every 7–10 days until clear.

White cottony masses in frond axils; stunted new growth; honeydew leads to sooty mold. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; full-plant neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly.

Root damage by larvae in waterlogged soil; adult gnats around pot; slowed growth. Let topsoil dry between waterings; apply Bti soil drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults.