What's eating my hare's foot fern?

Hare's Foot Fern (Davallia canariensis) is a drought-tolerant houseplant whose hairy surface rhizomes can conceal pests. Scale insects are the primary threat, followed by mealybugs sheltering in the rhizome 'feet' and spider mites in dry air. Overwatering invites fungus gnats. Examining the rhizomes monthly and keeping humidity moderate prevents most outbreaks.

Armored or soft bumps on frond undersides and rhizome surface; sticky honeydew; slow decline of frond color. Remove with alcohol and a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil spray every 7–10 days.

Cottony white clusters hidden within the hairy rhizome fibers; declining vigor and honeydew drips. Dab individual colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until gone.

Fine webbing under fronds; pale stippling across frond surfaces; fronds dry out prematurely. Mist rhizomes and fronds; place on a pebble humidity tray; treat with insecticidal soap spray weekly.