Pest identification
What's eating my tiger fern?
Spider mites
Signs: Yellow speckling on fronds, particularly on green portions; colour contrast of the variegation fades
Control: Shower fronds with water weekly, raise ambient humidity, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Brown limpet-like bumps along frond midribs; sticky honeydew attracting sooty mould
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush, apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat treatment after 2 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly deposits at frond bases and crown; new growth appears stunted or deformed
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol, drench crown with dilute neem oil, quarantine until clear
Keep tiger fern pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tiger Fern pests — FAQ
What is eating my tiger fern?
Tiger Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Tiger Fern') is prized for its gold-striped fronds, which are targeted by spider mites and scale insects. The variegated fronds show pest damage especially clearly. Keep humidity consistent and shower the plant every few weeks to dislodge pests and keep the fronds vibrant.
How do I get rid of spider mites on tiger fern?
Yellow speckling on fronds, particularly on green portions; colour contrast of the variegation fades Shower fronds with water weekly, raise ambient humidity, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on tiger fern?
Brown limpet-like bumps along frond midribs; sticky honeydew attracting sooty mould Scrape off with a soft brush, apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat treatment after 2 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tiger fern?
White woolly deposits at frond bases and crown; new growth appears stunted or deformed Dab with isopropyl alcohol, drench crown with dilute neem oil, quarantine until clear