What's eating my australian tree fern?

Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi) is a fast-growing tropical that most commonly suffers from scale insects on its trunk and fronds, and from mealybugs in the fibrous crown. Spider mites attack in dry conditions. Outdoors, caterpillars and slugs may graze young croziers. The trunk fibre provides ideal hiding spots — inspect it closely.

Shell-like bumps on stipes, trunk, and frond undersides; honeydew, sooty mold, and frond yellowing Scrub trunk with a stiff brush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, repeating every 3–4 weeks

White woolly masses in crown fibre and at frond bases; slow growth and sticky residue Remove by hand or with a water jet; spray diluted neem oil over the crown weekly until cleared

Bronzed, stippled fronds with webbing on undersides; fronds dry out quickly Increase humidity and air movement; shower fronds; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days

Irregular holes and slime trails on young croziers and emerging fronds Hand-pick at night; apply iron phosphate slug pellets around the base; use copper tape on containers