What's eating my rabbit's foot fern?

Rabbit's Foot Fern's most common pest is scale insects on the fronds, followed by mealybugs hiding in the fuzzy surface rhizomes (the 'feet'). Spider mites attack in low-humidity environments. The rhizomes' hairy texture makes thorough treatment tricky — use a soft brush to work insecticidal solution into the matted surface.

Small brown oval bumps on frond undersides and midribs; yellowing, drooping fronds; sticky surface residue Wipe fronds with soapy water or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad; apply neem oil; work gently into the rhizome surface

White cottony deposits nestled among the furry surface rhizomes and at the base of fronds; hard to spot initially Use a soft toothbrush or cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray; treat weekly until clear

Pale stippling and bronze tint on fronds; fine webbing in severe infestations; worst near heat sources in winter Increase ambient humidity; mist fronds regularly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days