Pest identification
What's eating my rabbit foot fern 'plumosa'?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippled fronds with fine webbing; leaflets dry and drop in severe infestations
Control: Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; shower the plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses among the surface rhizomes and at the base of fronds; wilting growth
Control: Dab rhizomes with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs; spray fronds with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
Scale insects
Signs: Small waxy or hard bumps on the creeping rhizomes and stem bases; yellowing fronds
Control: Scrape off manually with a soft brush; treat with neem oil; repeat every two weeks
Keep rabbit foot fern 'plumosa' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Rabbit Foot Fern 'Plumosa' pests — FAQ
What is eating my rabbit foot fern 'plumosa'?
Rabbit Foot Fern (Humata tyermannii) grown indoors is most commonly troubled by spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry conditions typical of heated homes. Mealybugs can hide among the creeping rhizomes on the pot surface. Scale insects occasionally appear on the hairy rhizomes. High humidity and rhizome inspection are key.
How do I get rid of spider mites on rabbit foot fern 'plumosa'?
Pale stippled fronds with fine webbing; leaflets dry and drop in severe infestations Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; shower the plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on rabbit foot fern 'plumosa'?
White cottony masses among the surface rhizomes and at the base of fronds; wilting growth Dab rhizomes with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs; spray fronds with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects on rabbit foot fern 'plumosa'?
Small waxy or hard bumps on the creeping rhizomes and stem bases; yellowing fronds Scrape off manually with a soft brush; treat with neem oil; repeat every two weeks