What's eating my japanese bird's nest fern?

Japanese Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) is susceptible to the same core houseplant pests as its relatives. Scale insects are the most common problem, favouring the smooth, strap-like fronds. Mealybugs settle in the crown, and fungus gnats proliferate when compost stays too wet.

Raised brown or pale bumps clinging to frond midribs and stems; sticky secretions and yellowing fronds Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule; avoid oily sprays during high heat

Cotton-like white masses in the rosette centre and at frond bases; honeydew attracting mould Isopropyl alcohol swabs for direct contact; dilute neem oil spray as a follow-up; isolate the plant during treatment

Larval root feeding weakens the plant; clouds of tiny flies hover at the soil surface Let the top layer of compost dry out; use Bti soil drench; sticky yellow cards to monitor and trap adults