scale on Staghorn Fern
Quick answer
If your Staghorn Fern has scale, the most likely cause is: Staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) are prone to scale insects that colonize the undersides of the fronds and along the basal shield leaves; the limpet-like pests suck sap, excrete sticky honeydew that is colonised by sooty mould, and slowly weaken the fern until fronds yellow, drop, and the plant loses vigour.
Start here:
- 1. Inspect the undersides of every frond and the basal shield leaves with a magnifying glass and rub off any visible scale insects with a damp cloth or cotton bud soaked with insecticide.
- 2. Spray the affected areas (avoiding the sensitive fern foliage where the book recommends a wipe rather than a foliar spray) with an appropriate insecticide, and treat any resulting sooty mould by sponging the fronds clean once the insects are under control.
Why Staghorn Fern gets scale
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) are prone to scale insects that colonize the undersides of the fronds and along the basal shield leaves; the limpet-like pests suck sap, excrete sticky honeydew that is colonised by sooty mould, and slowly weaken the fern until fronds yellow, drop, and the plant loses vigour.
How to reverse scale on Staghorn Fern
- 1
Inspect the undersides of every frond and the basal shield leaves with a magnifying glass and rub off any visible scale insects with a damp cloth or cotton bud soaked with insecticide.
- 2
Spray the affected areas (avoiding the sensitive fern foliage where the book recommends a wipe rather than a foliar spray) with an appropriate insecticide, and treat any resulting sooty mould by sponging the fronds clean once the insects are under control.
Keep scale off this Staghorn Fern
Check the undersides of staghorn fern fronds and basal shield leaves on a regular schedule so a scale colony is caught before it spreads, and keep the plant in a humid, well-ventilated bathroom-style spot that discourages the hot dry conditions scale thrive in.