Pest identification
What's eating my heart fern?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, bronzed fronds; fine webbing on undersides; fronds curl and dry at edges
Control: Mist frond undersides with insecticidal soap spray; use a humidifier nearby; repeat weekly
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy deposits at the base of fronds and on petioles; sticky, stunted growth
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a fine swab; apply dilute neem oil; isolate the plant
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae in moist compost; wilting and yellowing despite adequate moisture
Control: Allow the very top of the soil to dry between waterings; use Bti drench; add sticky yellow traps
Keep heart fern pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Heart Fern pests — FAQ
What is eating my heart fern?
Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia) is a delicate tropical fern most troubled by spider mites and mealybugs when indoor humidity is low. Fungus gnats breed readily in its preferred moist peat-based soil. Scale can appear on the distinctive heart-shaped fronds. Maintaining humidity above 60% and good airflow is the best preventive strategy.
How do I get rid of spider mites on heart fern?
Stippled, bronzed fronds; fine webbing on undersides; fronds curl and dry at edges Mist frond undersides with insecticidal soap spray; use a humidifier nearby; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on heart fern?
White fluffy deposits at the base of fronds and on petioles; sticky, stunted growth Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a fine swab; apply dilute neem oil; isolate the plant
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on heart fern?
Root damage from larvae in moist compost; wilting and yellowing despite adequate moisture Allow the very top of the soil to dry between waterings; use Bti drench; add sticky yellow traps