What's eating my rosy maidenhair fern?

Rosy Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum) is slightly more tolerant than other maidenhairs but still susceptible to spider mites in dry indoor air. Scale insects and mealybugs colonise the forked fronds. The rough, slightly hairy texture of the fronds can make early detection harder — inspect with a magnifier.

Pale stippled patches on pinnules; webbing between fronds; new growth distorted and bronzed Raise humidity; rinse fronds with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage of frond undersides

Brown or cream waxy bumps on stems and frond undersides; honeydew and sooty mould Brush off scales; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; the hairy frond texture requires careful application

Cottony white deposits on stems and at frond bases; sap drain causes yellowing and wilting Isopropyl alcohol swab; dilute neem oil spray follow-up; repeat every 7–10 days and monitor new growth closely