What's eating my hillii staghorn fern?

Hillii Staghorn Fern grown indoors is most troubled by scale insects, which cling to both the flat shield fronds and the antler fronds. Mealybugs exploit the papery shield fronds where they overlap a mount or basket. Spider mites can strike in dry conditions. Avoid wetting the shield fronds and inspect mounts regularly for early pest detection.

Circular brown or tan bumps on antler fronds and shield bases; yellowing and browning frond tips; sticky residue Dab individual scales with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil solution carefully avoiding shield fronds; repeat monthly

White cottony deposits at the junction of shield and antler fronds or hidden on the mount; frond yellowing Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; apply insecticidal soap spray; treat every 5–7 days for a month

Fine webbing on antler fronds; bronzed or pale stippling on upper surfaces; frond drying in low humidity Increase ambient humidity; wipe antler fronds with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly