scale on staghorn fern

Scale insects are small, largely immobile insects that are often confused for growths on a plant's leaves or branches. They may cover themselves in a waxy, mealy or hard coating. Fern scale (Pinnaspis aspidistrae) often affects staghorn ferns.

How do you treat a scale on a staghorn fern?

Scale insects are the most common pest on a staghorn fern. Our preferred treatment is denatured alcohol applied with a fine brush or cotton swab directly to the insects on the undersides of the fronds.

How do you treat fern scales?

cut the fern back to 1cm above soil level and spray or squash any remaining scale you can see. Fertilise with half-strength soluble Aquasol Soluble Plant Food or Thrive and apply some seaweed tonic, the fern will bounce back in no time. keep an eye out for any reinfestation and squash them if they appear.

How do you get rid of scale on plants?

Remove existing scale on houseplants by rubbing gently with a facial-quality sponge or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. The alcohol alone should kill the scale, but the dead insects will remain on your plants and make it difficult for you to scout for new infestations.

Do Ferns get scale?

Fern scale appears as white dashes on the fronds. There are many others. As scale insects feed on the sugary sap of a plant, they excrete some of the sugar as a liquid called honeydew.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Up-to-date gardeners know that California's low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver. ... A few staghorn owners even advocate using the entire banana, placing it into the paper-like platycerium that supports the main plant.

Are banana peels good for staghorn ferns?

ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.

Will soapy water kill scale?

Young scale insects can usually be controlled with a spray of soapy water. Use mild dishwashing liquid that doesn't contain fragrance or other additives. Mix 2 teaspoonfuls with 1 gallon of room-temperature water. Use a spray bottle to spray the soapy water and coat the leaves and stems thoroughly.

How does scale spread on plants?

Scales spread from plant to plant as newly hatched crawlers, which are very tiny, have legs and can move around. ... Many scales produce crawlers in the spring. Once the crawlers have settled down to feed, they create their protective covering and contact insecticides are largely ineffective.

What does scale look like on succulents?

Scale. ... If you see small, brown bumps on your succulent, then you may have a scale problem. These insects like to eat the sap of succulents, damaging the plants and making them susceptible to diseases. Remedy: Remove any visible insects you see from your plant either by hand or by hosing them off.

How do you get rid of scale on plants naturally?

To get rid of scale insects prune and dispose of infested branches, twigs and leaves. When scale numbers are low they may be rubbed or picked off of plants by hand. Dabbing individual pests with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab or neem-based leaf shine will also work when infestations are light.

Can scale spread to other plants?

Scale bugs can be found indoors or outdoors. Finding scale inside generally means that you brought an infested plant indoors. It's easy to spread them to other houseplants, so check your plants carefully! A plant which is suffering from scale infestation may show signs of premature leaf drop or yellowed leaves.

How do you get rid of scale on succulents?

If your succulent is infected with hard-bodied scale insects, the simplest way to treat them is to just remove the branch or leaves that are affected. Sad, but safe. Just like mealy bugs, you can dab scale insects with a cotton swab or paint brush and some rubbing alcohol.

Are staghorn ferns expensive?

"My staghorn fern is turning yellow. What should I do?" Staghorn ferns are some of the most unusual-looking plants home gardeners can grow. They can also be expensive, so it's important to catch any problems early.

Does alcohol kill scale insects?

A sure but tedious method for killing scale insects is to dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. This method is 100% effective, as long as you are diligent. Hot water is another way to kill these pests.

How do I get rid of palm scales?

Palm leaf scales are very difficult to get rid of, but it can be done. Typical treatment for palm scale is to repeatedly spray the palm tree leaves with horticultural oil or a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water mixed with some bleach-free dish soap.

What is the best fertilizer for staghorn ferns?

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (ratio of 1:1:1). During periods of dormancy (fall and winter), reduce fertilizing to every other month. Some people suggest feeding your staghorn fern by slipping a piece of banana peel under the shield frond.

Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?

They can tolerate more direct sunlight when humidity and temperatures are high but also require more water when in direct light. Provide staghorn ferns with warm temperatures, plentiful moisture and excellent drainage for best results. These plants do best with normal household temperatures above 55ºF.

How do you get rid of staghorn fern pups?

Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern.

Should I mist my staghorn fern?

Growers often thoroughly mist the basal fronds of staghorn ferns once a week. Spray bottles may be adequate for small indoor staghorn ferns, but large outdoor plants may need to be watered with a gentle, misting hose head. Staghorn ferns should be watered when the upright plants look slightly wilted.

Can you trim a staghorn fern?

You can trim dead and damaged foliage from the staghorn fern at any time of year. The plant doesn't require regular pruning, so there is no optimum time for a trim.

What are staghorn ferns worth?

Huge Staghorn ferns priced $160 - $240, depending on size & condition.