Pest identification
What's eating my mexican tree fern?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or white shells on stipes, trunk, and frond undersides; yellowing, wilting fronds and sticky deposits
Control: Scrub trunk fibre with soapy water and a brush; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to all surfaces; repeat monthly
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at trunk base and lower frond bases; reduced growth and honeydew
Control: Dislodge with a water jet; spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol and follow with weekly neem oil spray
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and webbing on frond undersides; fronds bronze and drop in severe cases
Control: Increase humidity, rinse fronds, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days
Keep mexican tree fern pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Mexican Tree Fern pests — FAQ
What is eating my mexican tree fern?
Mexican Tree Fern (Cibotium schiedei) is a large tropical fern susceptible to scale insects colonising its fibrous trunk and fronds, and to mealybugs hiding in its trunk base. Spider mites can take hold on the soft fronds in warm, dry rooms. In outdoor or greenhouse settings, caterpillars may feed on tender new croziers.
How do I get rid of scale insects on mexican tree fern?
Brown or white shells on stipes, trunk, and frond undersides; yellowing, wilting fronds and sticky deposits Scrub trunk fibre with soapy water and a brush; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to all surfaces; repeat monthly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on mexican tree fern?
Cottony white clusters at trunk base and lower frond bases; reduced growth and honeydew Dislodge with a water jet; spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol and follow with weekly neem oil spray
How do I get rid of spider mites on mexican tree fern?
Pale stippling and webbing on frond undersides; fronds bronze and drop in severe cases Increase humidity, rinse fronds, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days