Can I use neem oil on my fern?

Be careful, as ferns can be sensitive to oils. Test a small area first and wait 24 hours to ensure no burning occurs.

Are these bumps just spores?

Common polypody does produce spores on the undersides of fronds, but these are usually arranged in neat rows or clusters. Scale insects are usually scattered randomly.

Common polypody: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the fronds for bumps.
Check for sticky residue on the leaves or the surface below.
Inspect nearby plants for similar signs.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, brown, or tan bumps that look like little shields on the stems or undersides of leaves. They do not move much and may leave a sticky residue behind.
What to do: Gently scrape the insects off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Follow up by wiping the fronds with a mild insecticidal soap solution once a week for a month.
New Plant Introduction
Possible
How to tell: You recently brought a new plant into your home and placed it near your fern. Pests often hitchhike on new additions.
What to do: Isolate the affected plant immediately to prevent spread. Check all nearby plants for similar bumps and treat them as well.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common polypody

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

Scale can be stubborn, so treat it as soon as you see it. If the infestation covers the entire plant, it may be safer to discard it to protect your other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect new plants thoroughly before bringing them home. Keep your fern healthy with proper water and light to help it resist pests.

Common polypody: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common polypody 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 neem oil on my fern?: Be careful, as ferns can be sensitive to oils. Test a small area first and wait 24 hours to ensure no burning occurs.
Are these bumps just spores?: Common polypody does produce spores on the undersides of fronds, but these are usually arranged in neat rows or clusters. Scale insects are usually scattered randomly.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

What are these tiny bumps on my Common polypody?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your common polypody?