â ModerateðĐš
Pests
Spider Mites on Ferns
Commonly affects: Various ferns (Polypodiopsida)
Fine yellow stippling spreads across fronds, with fine webbing visible in heavier infestations, especially in dry indoor conditions.
Potential Causes
- 1Low humidity and dry indoor air favouring mite reproduction
- 2Dusty fronds providing a hospitable surface
- 3Stressed, drought-affected plants being more vulnerable
Solution Steps
- 1Rinse the plant thoroughly under lukewarm running water to dislodge mites and eggs
- 2Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5-7 days
- 3Increase humidity substantially, since mites struggle in humid conditions ferns naturally prefer
- 4Isolate affected plants from other houseplants
Prevention Tip
Increasing humidity for general fern health has the added benefit of making conditions far less hospitable for spider mites.
