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Rattlesnake fern · Botrypus virginianus

Why are there bugs on my Rattlesnake fern?

It is less common for this fern to get pests, but they can occasionally appear if the plant is stressed or near other infested plants. Check the undersides of the fronds first for tiny webs or sticky residue.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the fronds for webbing or bumps.
  2. Check the soil surface for small flying insects.
  3. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to see if debris comes off.

Likely causes

  1. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for small brown bumps that look like tiny shields on the stems or fronds. These insects suck sap and leave a sticky substance behind.

    What to do: Gently scrape the bumps off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this once a week until you no longer see any insects.

  2. Fungus gnats

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny black flies hovering around the soil surface. They thrive in the consistently moist soil that this fern requires.

    What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out slightly more between waterings to disrupt their life cycle. You can also place yellow sticky traps near the base of the plant to catch the adults.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rattlesnake fern

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if you see heavy webbing or if the fronds start yellowing rapidly. A few gnats are annoying but usually not fatal.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your fern away from new plants for two weeks to ensure they are pest free. Maintain good air circulation around the plant.

Rattlesnake fern: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rattlesnake fern and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use insecticidal soap?
Yes, but use it sparingly as ferns can be sensitive to chemicals. Always test a single frond first and wait 24 hours to see if it burns.
Are these bugs harmful?
Most pests drain the plant of nutrients and can weaken it over time. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Rattlesnake fern

Back to the Rattlesnake fern guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.