What's eating my cretan brake fern?

Cretan Brake Fern (Pteris cretica 'Albolineata') is most commonly attacked by spider mites in dry indoor conditions, which dull the distinctive white-striped fronds. Scale insects and mealybugs also target its stems. Maintain high humidity and good air circulation to keep populations low.

Fine webbing on fronds, stippled or silvery discolouration on the variegated leaves, premature frond drop in severe cases. Boost humidity and rinse fronds under a lukewarm shower. Spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; avoid chemical miticides, which can scorch fern fronds.

Brown or tan oval bumps along stems and midribs; sticky honeydew drips onto lower leaves; sooty mold may follow. Scrape off individual scales with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Follow up with neem oil spray. Repeat monthly until all crawlers are eliminated.

White cottony masses at the base of fronds and along stems; leaves yellow and fronds weaken. Dab colonies with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs. Spray with insecticidal soap, covering all stem surfaces. Isolate the plant until pest-free to prevent spread to nearby ferns.