What's eating my asparagus fern 'sprengeri'?

Asparagus Fern 'Sprengeri' is a vigorous houseplant regularly targeted by spider mites — the most common and serious pest. Mealybugs colonize the dense feathery stems, and scale insects can appear on older woody sections. Aphids occasionally infest new growth. High humidity and regular showering are the best first-line defense.

Fine webbing throughout the dense foliage; needles yellow, dry out, and drop; plant looks dusty or bleached Shower the plant thoroughly to remove mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; raise humidity; isolate from other plants

White cottony clusters deep in the bushy stems and at soil level; slow yellowing and wilting Treat with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs; spray with insecticidal soap; remove dense dead stems to improve access

Brown or tan raised bumps on older woody stems; sticky honeydew; needles drop prematurely Scrape off manually; apply neem oil or horticultural oil; repeat applications every two weeks

Soft green or black insects clustering on tender new shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap spray; treat weekly until clear