Pest identification
What's eating my cyrtomium macrophyllum?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or waxy bumps on frond undersides and stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew residue
Control: Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils and along midribs; stunted, distorted fronds
Control: Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; apply insecticidal soap; isolate the plant immediately
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
Signs: Adults are nuisance fliers; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor growth
Control: Allow compost to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) as a soil drench; use yellow sticky traps
Keep cyrtomium macrophyllum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cyrtomium macrophyllum pests — FAQ
What is eating my cyrtomium macrophyllum?
Cyrtomium macrophyllum grown as a houseplant faces typical indoor pests. Scale insects are the most common threat, settling on the leathery frond undersides. Mealybugs may colonize leaf axils, and spider mites can appear in dry indoor air. Fungus gnats breed in overwatered compost. Good airflow and correct watering prevent most problems.
How do I get rid of scale insects on cyrtomium macrophyllum?
Brown or waxy bumps on frond undersides and stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew residue Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cyrtomium macrophyllum?
White cottony masses in leaf axils and along midribs; stunted, distorted fronds Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; apply insecticidal soap; isolate the plant immediately
How do I get rid of fungus gnats (bradysia spp.) on cyrtomium macrophyllum?
Adults are nuisance fliers; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor growth Allow compost to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) as a soil drench; use yellow sticky traps