What's eating my kangaroo paw fern?

Kangaroo Paw Fern is most often attacked by scale insects, which colonise its glossy fronds, and by mealybugs. Spider mites strike in low-humidity rooms. Fungus gnats breed in the consistently moist, humus-rich soil this fern prefers. Wipe fronds monthly, maintain humidity above 50%, and let the top centimetre of soil dry between waterings to deter gnats.

Brown oval bumps on frond midribs and undersides; yellowing fronds and sticky honeydew Wipe fronds with a cloth dampened in 70% alcohol; spray with horticultural oil; repeat fortnightly

Fine webbing on frond undersides; stippled, pale or bronzed fronds in dry conditions Raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; spray insecticidal soap on undersides weekly

Cottony deposits at the base of fronds and along rhizomes; wilting new growth Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a swab; treat rhizome surface; follow with neem oil drench

Larvae chew fine roots in moist potting mix, causing yellowing and wilting Let the top 1 cm of soil dry before rewatering; use sticky yellow traps; apply Bti drench