Pest identification
What's eating my boston fern 'dallas'?
Spider mites
Signs: Dusty, stippled fronds losing their bright green colour; webbing visible when infestation is heavy
Control: Shower regularly, increase humidity above 50%, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown bumps on frond stems and undersides; honeydew makes fronds sticky
Control: Manually dislodge with a soft toothbrush, apply horticultural oil; check crown carefully and repeat in 2 weeks
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats hover near soil; larvae consume fine root hairs, slowing growth in young plants
Control: Let top 2 inches of soil dry out, deploy yellow sticky traps, use Bti biological drench if persistent
Keep boston fern 'dallas' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Boston Fern 'Dallas' pests — FAQ
What is eating my boston fern 'dallas'?
Boston Fern 'Dallas' is a hardier cultivar than the standard Boston Fern but still susceptible to spider mites in dry conditions and scale insects in its dense crown. Fungus gnats are common when soil stays too wet. Good humidity, proper watering, and periodic showers are the core defence.
How do I get rid of spider mites on boston fern 'dallas'?
Dusty, stippled fronds losing their bright green colour; webbing visible when infestation is heavy Shower regularly, increase humidity above 50%, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on boston fern 'dallas'?
Hard brown bumps on frond stems and undersides; honeydew makes fronds sticky Manually dislodge with a soft toothbrush, apply horticultural oil; check crown carefully and repeat in 2 weeks
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on boston fern 'dallas'?
Adult gnats hover near soil; larvae consume fine root hairs, slowing growth in young plants Let top 2 inches of soil dry out, deploy yellow sticky traps, use Bti biological drench if persistent