What's eating my fishtail sword fern?

Fishtail Sword Fern (Nephrolepis falcata) is a tropical houseplant fern with sickle-shaped pinnae. Spider mites are the main indoor threat, exploiting dry heated air. Mealybugs nestle in the crown and frond bases. Scale can appear on petioles. Fungus gnats breed in moist compost. High humidity and regular frond inspection keep this species healthy.

Silvery stippling on pinnae surfaces and fine webbing underneath; fronds yellow and curl in dry conditions Boost humidity; shower fronds with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days for three rounds

White woolly tufts at frond bases and in the crown; sticky honeydew; distorted new growth Dab with isopropyl alcohol swab; spray with insecticidal soap; quarantine the plant until clear

Small brown or tan waxy bumps on petioles; slow yellowing and reduced vigour Remove with a soft toothbrush; wipe with diluted neem oil; repeat every two weeks for a month

Root damage from larvae in consistently wet compost; adults visible near the soil Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti drench if larvae are confirmed