What's eating my fritz luth maidenhair fern?

Fritz Luth Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum 'Fritz Luth') has very fine, layered fronds that create microhabitats for spider mites and mealybugs. Scale can hide along the numerous wiry petioles. Fungus gnats are common in its moist compost. The dense frond canopy makes spraying essential — shower-washing alone rarely penetrates deep enough to eradicate mites.

Pale stippling and fine webbing throughout the dense frond mass; fronds dry and shed in low humidity Raise humidity to 60 %+; immerse the whole plant in lukewarm water for a few minutes; spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 days

White woolly deposits deep in frond layers and at petiole bases; sooty mould on honeydew Use a fine-tipped alcohol-soaked cotton swab to reach into frond layers; follow with insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly

Small bumps on the many thin petioles; fronds yellow progressively as populations grow Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; wipe petioles carefully with neem oil; inspect every fortnight

Larvae damage fine roots in persistently damp compost beneath the dense canopy Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti drench if larvae are confirmed