What's eating my crown staghorn fern?

Crown Staghorn Fern is most commonly attacked by scale insects, which colonize both its shield and antler fronds. Mealybugs thrive in the humid conditions this species prefers. Spider mites appear when air is too dry. Its large shield fronds create hidden refuges for pests, so inspect thoroughly and often.

Raised brown or gray waxy bumps on fronds; yellow halos around infection sites; weakened, drooping fronds Remove with alcohol-soaked swabs or a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray to all frond surfaces, avoiding saturation of the stellate hair layer

Fluffy white deposits at the junctions of shield and antler fronds; honeydew and sooty mold Treat with rubbing alcohol swabs; follow with neem oil spray every 7–10 days until resolved

Fine webbing, stippled bronzing, and premature browning of frond tips in low-humidity environments Raise humidity above 60%; shower the plant monthly; apply insecticidal soap spray weekly during active infestation