Pest identification
What's eating my pyrrosia hastata?
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy or armored bumps on frond undersides; yellowing, weakened fronds with sticky honeydew
Control: Scrape off gently with a soft brush; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat weekly for several weeks
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Tiny stippling or bronzing on frond surfaces; fine webbing under fronds in heavy infestations
Control: Increase humidity; wipe fronds with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax deposits at frond bases and in crevices; sticky residue and sooty mold
Control: Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab to each cluster; follow with neem oil spray; isolate plant
Keep pyrrosia hastata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pyrrosia hastata pests — FAQ
What is eating my pyrrosia hastata?
Pyrrosia hastata, a felt fern kept as a houseplant or mounted epiphyte, is susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs that hide along its fleshy, felt-textured fronds. Spider mites thrive in dry indoor air. Fungus gnats can be an issue if the mounting medium stays too moist. The felt surface makes pests harder to spot.
How do I get rid of scale insects on pyrrosia hastata?
Waxy or armored bumps on frond undersides; yellowing, weakened fronds with sticky honeydew Scrape off gently with a soft brush; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat weekly for several weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on pyrrosia hastata?
Tiny stippling or bronzing on frond surfaces; fine webbing under fronds in heavy infestations Increase humidity; wipe fronds with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pyrrosia hastata?
White cottony wax deposits at frond bases and in crevices; sticky residue and sooty mold Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab to each cluster; follow with neem oil spray; isolate plant