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Soft Tree Fern · Dicksonia antarctica

What are these bumps on my soft tree fern's fronds?

If you see small, bump-like growths on your fronds, you likely have scale insects. These pests suck sap and can weaken your fern if left alone.

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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 closely.
  2. Scrape a bump gently to see if it moves or detaches.
  3. Look for a sticky substance on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small, brownish, oval bumps appear on the undersides of fronds or along the stems. They often look like part of the plant but can be scraped off with a fingernail.

    What to do: Wipe the fronds with a soft cloth dipped in diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat this process every 7 days until the bumps are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your soft tree 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

A few insects are manageable, but if the entire plant is covered, it can cause severe stress. Act as soon as you spot them.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant regularly when you water it. Keeping the fern healthy and well-hydrated makes it less attractive to pests.

Soft Tree Fern: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your soft tree 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 chemical sprays?
Avoid harsh chemicals as ferns are sensitive. Stick to insecticidal soap or neem oil for the safest results.
Will these spread to my other plants?
Yes, scale insects can easily move to nearby plants. Isolate your fern until the infestation is completely cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Soft Tree Fern

Back to the Soft Tree 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.