What's eating my cystopteris bulbifera?

Cystopteris bulbifera (bulblet bladder fern) faces few serious pest pressures. Slugs and snails are the most common nuisance, targeting emerging fronds. Deer will browse unprotected plants in woodland edges. Vine weevil can attack roots in moist shaded beds. Overall it is a tough, resilient fern when sited correctly.

Irregular holes and ragged edges on tender new fronds; slime trails on soil and foliage Scatter iron phosphate pellets near crowns; set out beer traps; hand-pick at night or after rain

Adults notch leaf margins; white C-shaped grubs destroy root systems causing sudden wilting Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to damp soil in late summer; repot container plants and remove grubs by hand

Whole fronds browsed down to stem level, especially in spring when new growth is palatable Erect physical deer fencing or use deer repellent sprays around the planting area; site in enclosed gardens