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Staghorn fern · Platycerium

Why are there brown bumps on my Staghorn Fern?

Those little brown bumps are likely scale insects feeding on your plant. Check the undersides of the fronds and the base of the plant immediately.

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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 bumps.
  2. Check the crevices near the base of the shield fronds.
  3. Look for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, hard, brown, or tan bumps that look like tiny shields attached to the fronds. They do not move and often cluster along the veins.

    What to do: Gently scrape the insects off with a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Wipe the entire frond down with a mild soap and water solution to remove any remaining residue. Repeat this process weekly until you no longer see any pests.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for small, white, cottony masses tucked into the crevices of the shield fronds. These pests hide well and can spread quickly.

    What to do: Dab the white spots with a cotton swab soaked in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to kill them on contact. Rinse the plant lightly with water afterward. Keep the plant isolated from others until the infestation is completely gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your staghorn 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

If the infestation covers the entire plant and the fronds are turning yellow or wilting, it is a serious situation. A few isolated bugs are easy to manage with quick action.

Stopping it coming back

Check new plants carefully before bringing them home and keep your fern in a well ventilated area. Regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth helps keep pests away.

Staghorn fern: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your staghorn 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 neem oil on my Staghorn Fern?
Yes, but use it sparingly and avoid applying it in direct sunlight. Test a small area first to ensure the fronds do not react poorly.
Will these bugs kill my plant?
If left untreated, they will drain the plant of its energy and eventually cause it to decline. Catching them early makes them very easy to remove.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Staghorn fern

Back to the Staghorn 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.