What's eating my table fern?

Table Fern (Pteris vittata) is a compact indoor fern susceptible to spider mites in dry rooms and to scale insects along its wiry frond midribs. Fungus gnats breed in overly wet compost. Good humidity, proper drainage, and regular leaf checks keep this fast-growing, compact fern healthy.

Fine pale speckling across feathery frond segments; webbing visible on undersides; frond tips brown and dry. Boost humidity, rinse fronds under lukewarm water, and apply insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for three cycles.

Tiny waxy bumps along frond midribs and stipes; fronds lose colour and honeydew accumulates. Scrape off with a soft brush and apply neem oil; repeat weekly until no new scale activity is seen.

Root-feeding larvae cause wilting and yellowing; adults are seen hovering around moist soil. Allow the top inch of compost to dry between waterings; apply a Bti soil drench to eliminate larvae over two or three treatments.