Can I use insecticidal soap?

Be careful, as ferns can be sensitive to chemicals. It is safer to use the manual removal method with rubbing alcohol first.

Will these spread to my other plants?

Yes, scale can easily move to nearby plants. Keep the affected fern away from your collection until it is clear.

Resurrection fern: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the fronds closely with a flashlight.
Check for sticky honeydew on the leaves or the surface below the plant.
Isolate the plant from your other houseplants to prevent spreading.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Most likely
How to tell: You will see raised, brown, oval bumps that look like tiny shields on the stems or leaf undersides. They do not move and often leave a sticky residue behind.
What to do: Gently scrape the bumps off with a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process every week until you no longer see any new bumps.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your resurrection 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.

When to worry

A few scale insects are manageable, but a heavy infestation can cause the fronds to yellow and die. Treat them immediately upon discovery.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant for pests every time you water it. Keeping the plant healthy and clean makes it less attractive to insects.

Resurrection fern: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your resurrection 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use insecticidal soap?: Be careful, as ferns can be sensitive to chemicals. It is safer to use the manual removal method with rubbing alcohol first.
Will these spread to my other plants?: Yes, scale can easily move to nearby plants. Keep the affected fern away from your collection until it is clear.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

What are these brown bumps on my resurrection fern?