Pest identification
What's eating my resurrection fern?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on fronds when kept moist, pale stippling on the upper surface of pinnae, loss of the natural green colour.
Control: Allow the plant to dry out periodically as it naturally does — this desiccation kills most mite populations. When fully hydrated, treat any active infestation with insecticidal soap spray.
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or tan bumps on rhizomes and stems; honeydew deposits; sluggish rehydration after drying cycles.
Control: Remove scales manually with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Apply neem oil to rhizomes and stems. Repeat every three to four weeks until clear.
Keep resurrection fern pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Resurrection fern pests — FAQ
What is eating my resurrection fern?
Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides), grown as a novelty houseplant, faces few serious pest problems due to its tolerance of desiccation. Spider mites can attack when it is kept continually moist indoors. Scale insects occasionally colonise the rhizomes. Its ability to dry out completely provides a natural reset against most soft-bodied pests.
How do I get rid of spider mites on resurrection fern?
Fine webbing on fronds when kept moist, pale stippling on the upper surface of pinnae, loss of the natural green colour. Allow the plant to dry out periodically as it naturally does — this desiccation kills most mite populations. When fully hydrated, treat any active infestation with insecticidal soap spray.
How do I get rid of scale insects on resurrection fern?
Hard brown or tan bumps on rhizomes and stems; honeydew deposits; sluggish rehydration after drying cycles. Remove scales manually with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Apply neem oil to rhizomes and stems. Repeat every three to four weeks until clear.