Pest identification
What's eating my polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum'?
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in emerging croziers and soft frond tips; characteristic slime trails.
Control: Scatter ferric phosphate pellets around the crown in early spring; set beer traps nearby; hand-pick at night after rain.
Vine weevil
Signs: Scalloped notches on frond edges from adult beetles feeding at night; larvae kill the root crown.
Control: Apply Steinernema nematodes drench in spring and again in late summer; remove and destroy any white grubs found in compost.
Aphids
Signs: Small green or black insects clustered on new frond stems; honeydew and sooty mold.
Control: Remove with a strong water jet; spray insecticidal soap solution; rely on ladybirds and lacewings for ongoing control.
Keep polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats soft shield fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum' problems & fixes
- Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum' watering schedule
- Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum' light requirements
- Full polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum' care guide
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum' pests — FAQ
What is eating my polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum'?
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum' is a densely feathery garden fern. Slugs and snails are the main pest threat, targeting the tightly-packed emerging fronds. Vine weevil can attack roots in pots. The dense frond texture offers some protection once fronds mature. Deer and rabbits rarely target this species.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum'?
Ragged holes in emerging croziers and soft frond tips; characteristic slime trails. Scatter ferric phosphate pellets around the crown in early spring; set beer traps nearby; hand-pick at night after rain.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum'?
Scalloped notches on frond edges from adult beetles feeding at night; larvae kill the root crown. Apply Steinernema nematodes drench in spring and again in late summer; remove and destroy any white grubs found in compost.
How do I get rid of aphids on polystichum setiferum 'plumosum densum'?
Small green or black insects clustered on new frond stems; honeydew and sooty mold. Remove with a strong water jet; spray insecticidal soap solution; rely on ladybirds and lacewings for ongoing control.