Pest identification
What's eating my bird's nest fern 'crissie'?
Scale insects
Signs: Tan or brown disc-like bumps on frond undersides and midribs; leaves yellow above each bump
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, apply neem oil or horticultural oil carefully to all frond surfaces; repeat after 14 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White powdery or cottony clusters deep inside the rosette centre; stunted unfurling fronds
Control: Carefully dab colonies with an alcohol-tipped swab; spray dilute neem oil into the rosette; avoid flooding the crown with water
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on frond surfaces; fronds lose gloss and take on a bronzed, dull appearance
Control: Wipe fronds with a damp cloth, increase humidity, apply insecticidal soap spray to undersides; repeat every 5–7 days
Keep bird's nest fern 'crissie' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats bird's nest fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common bird's nest fern 'crissie' problems & fixes
- Bird's Nest Fern 'Crissie' watering schedule
- Bird's Nest Fern 'Crissie' light requirements
- Full bird's nest fern 'crissie' care guide
Bird's Nest Fern 'Crissie' pests — FAQ
What is eating my bird's nest fern 'crissie'?
Bird's Nest Fern 'Crissie' (Asplenium nidus 'Crissie') is susceptible to scale insects, which favour its thick, wavy fronds, and to mealybugs that shelter in the central nest-like rosette. Spider mites can attack if air is very dry. Avoid wetting the crown when watering, which can lead to rot and hide pest entry points.
How do I get rid of scale insects on bird's nest fern 'crissie'?
Tan or brown disc-like bumps on frond undersides and midribs; leaves yellow above each bump Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, apply neem oil or horticultural oil carefully to all frond surfaces; repeat after 14 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on bird's nest fern 'crissie'?
White powdery or cottony clusters deep inside the rosette centre; stunted unfurling fronds Carefully dab colonies with an alcohol-tipped swab; spray dilute neem oil into the rosette; avoid flooding the crown with water
How do I get rid of spider mites on bird's nest fern 'crissie'?
Fine stippling on frond surfaces; fronds lose gloss and take on a bronzed, dull appearance Wipe fronds with a damp cloth, increase humidity, apply insecticidal soap spray to undersides; repeat every 5–7 days