What's eating my hound's tongue fern?

Hound's Tongue Fern, like most indoor ferns, is most troubled by scale insects and mealybugs, which exploit its frond undersides. Spider mites can appear in dry air. Fungus gnats are a risk if soil stays perpetually wet. This fern's moisture needs must be balanced to avoid both root rot and pest outbreaks.

Hard brown bumps on frond midribs and undersides; yellowing fronds; sticky honeydew residue on lower surfaces Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray to all frond surfaces; repeat every 10–14 days

White cottony deposits along midribs and in crown of the fern; fronds yellow and growth is stunted Remove with isopropyl alcohol swabs carefully to avoid scorching fronds; apply diluted neem oil; repeat weekly

Small dark flies above moist soil; larvae nibble fine roots and reduce water uptake, causing frond wilting Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply a Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) soil drench