What's eating my golden polypody?

Golden Polypody (Polypodium aureum / Phlebodium aureum) is a vigorous houseplant fern most often troubled by scale insects clinging to its blue-green fronds and orange rhizomes. Mealybugs nest in rhizome joints, and spider mites flare in dry air. Fungus gnats breed in overwatered mix. Regular inspection of the surface rhizomes is key.

Brown or tan bumps fixed to fronds and rhizomes; sticky honeydew; fronds yellow and drop early Scrape scales off physically; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to all surfaces, especially rhizomes; repeat every 10–14 days

White cottony masses in rhizome folds and frond axils; weakened growth; honeydew residue Remove with an alcohol-soaked swab; spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil weekly for 4 weeks

Silvery stippling on the distinctive blue fronds; webbing on undersides; fronds bronze and curl Raise humidity, shower the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until clear

Larvae chew fine roots; slowed growth; adults visible at soil surface Allow top 2 inches of mix to dry; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti biological larvicide