What's eating my foxtail fern?

Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii') is vulnerable to spider mites, which thrive in the dry air it often encounters indoors, and to mealybugs hiding among its dense needle-like leaves. Scale and aphids can appear on outdoor specimens. Regularly misting the plumes and inspecting the woody stems at the base helps catch infestations early.

Yellowing needles, fine webbing throughout the dense plumes, overall bronzed or washed-out look Shower the plant thoroughly to dislodge mites; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase humidity

White cottony clusters at stem junctions and in the dense foliage; sticky honeydew residue Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; repeat weekly; follow with neem oil spray

Hard brown bumps on woody stems at the base; yellowing and die-back of plumes above Scrub off with a brush and alcohol; treat with horticultural oil; check tuber roots at repotting

Clusters on new soft growth outdoors; sticky honeydew and distorted young plumes Blast with a hose; apply insecticidal soap; introduce or attract natural predators outdoors