What's eating my kimberly queen fern?

Kimberly queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is most prone to spider mites when grown in warm, dry indoor air, and to scale insects on its upright fronds. Fungus gnats attack if the soil stays too wet. This fern's more compact, upright habit makes it slightly easier to inspect than Boston fern but pests can still hide at the frond bases.

Pale stippling and graying of frond surfaces; fine webbing in the crown area; fronds may brown and drop in severe infestations. Shower the plant weekly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; keep humidity above 50% to deter mites.

Small hard bumps on frond midribs and stipes; sticky honeydew; yellowing or dying fronds from nutrient loss. Remove scales with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat in 2 weeks.

White fluffy wax in the crown and at frond bases; stunted new growth; honeydew attracting other pests. Swab with rubbing alcohol; spray neem oil; isolate the plant and check weekly until no further activity is seen.

Root damage by larvae causing wilting; adults hovering above soil; slowed growth despite regular care. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out; treat with BTi soil drench; use sticky yellow traps to catch adults.