What's eating my wallichiana fern?

Wallichiana Fern (Dryopteris wallichiana) kept indoors is most susceptible to spider mites when humidity drops, and to mealybugs in the crown. Fungus gnats can breed in the humus-rich potting mix if overwatered. Scale occasionally appears on frond midribs. Keeping humidity above 50% and never letting the crown sit in water eliminates most pest risk.

Pale stippling on frond surfaces; fine webbing; fronds yellow and dry prematurely in dry indoor conditions Mist fronds; use a humidifier; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, repeating weekly for 3 treatments

White cottony residue in the crown and along lower frond petioles; frond yellowing and stunted new growth Dab with isopropyl alcohol; apply insecticidal soap spray; isolate plant and treat every 5–7 days

Larvae chew fine roots in wet, organic-rich soil; adults cluster near pot; wilting despite moist compost Allow the top inch of soil to dry; place yellow sticky traps; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis solution