What's eating my painted fern 'burgundy lace'?

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern is an indoor cultivar susceptible to the same pests as other niponicum varieties. Spider mites thrive in the dry indoor air that stresses ferns most, while scale and mealybugs move in on weakened plants. Fungus gnats exploit consistently wet potting mix. Humidity and restraint with watering are key.

Pale stippling and fine webbing on frond undersides; fronds become dull, bronze, and crispy at edges in severe cases. Raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; rinse fronds under lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 7 days for a month.

Small brown or gray crusty bumps adhered to stems and midribs; sticky honeydew attracts sooty mold. Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural or neem oil on a 7–10 day cycle.

Larvae damage fine roots in overwet compost; adults are a nuisance; seedlings and young plants most vulnerable. Let the topsoil dry between waterings; use Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; yellow sticky traps for adults.