What's eating my cyclops staghorn fern?

Cyclops Staghorn Fern (Platycerium ridleyi) is a rare, collector-grade houseplant most vulnerable to scale insects, which cling to its spectacular shield and fertile fronds. Mealybugs shelter in the shield frond. Spider mites strike in low humidity. Check the distinctive dome-shaped shield frond carefully — pests hide in its cavities.

Hard or soft brown bumps on fertile fronds and shield frond surface; yellowing and frond decline Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray every 7–10 days; avoid wetting the shield frond excessively

White cottony deposits inside the shield frond cavities and at frond bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mold Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton; apply diluted neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks

Fine webbing and pale stippling on fertile fronds, especially in dry, heated indoor air Raise humidity above 60%; spray fronds with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days