Pest identification
What's eating my chain fern?
Slugs & snails
Signs: Holes and ragged margins on young fronds and unfurling croziers, especially in damp, shaded spots
Control: Ferric phosphate pellets around the crown; clear leaf litter; encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on soft new frond growth; sticky honeydew may lead to sooty mold on frond surfaces
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge aphids; insecticidal soap spray; introduce or attract lacewings and ladybugs
Caterpillars
Signs: Sections of frond blade consumed, often from edges; feeding typically by moth larvae at night
Control: Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biological spray to affected fronds
Keep chain fern pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Chain Fern pests — FAQ
What is eating my chain fern?
Woodwardia radicans (chain fern) is a large, moisture-loving outdoor fern. Slugs are the chief pest, targeting soft emerging fronds. Aphids can colonize new growth, and caterpillars occasionally feed on fronds. Its large size means it usually tolerates some pest pressure, but young plants need protecting from slug damage in spring.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on chain fern?
Holes and ragged margins on young fronds and unfurling croziers, especially in damp, shaded spots Ferric phosphate pellets around the crown; clear leaf litter; encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs
How do I get rid of aphids on chain fern?
Colonies on soft new frond growth; sticky honeydew may lead to sooty mold on frond surfaces Strong water jet to dislodge aphids; insecticidal soap spray; introduce or attract lacewings and ladybugs
How do I get rid of caterpillars on chain fern?
Sections of frond blade consumed, often from edges; feeding typically by moth larvae at night Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biological spray to affected fronds