Can I use insecticidal soap?

Yes, insecticidal soap is effective against scale. Follow the label instructions and ensure you cover both sides of the fronds.

Where did these bugs come from?

Scale insects are often brought in on new plants or through open windows. They are experts at hitching a ride into your home.

Leatherleaf Fern: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Scrape a bump with your nail to see if it moves or comes off.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves or the surface below the plant.
Inspect the undersides of the fronds carefully.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Most likely
How to tell: You see small, hard, brown bumps that can be scraped off with a fingernail. The fronds may also look sticky or develop yellow spots.
What to do: Wipe the fronds down with a soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects. Repeat this process weekly until you see no more bumps.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: Pests often thrive in stagnant, humid air. If your plant is crowded by others, it is more susceptible to infestations.
What to do: Move your fern to a spot with better airflow. Keep it away from other infested plants to prevent the pests from spreading.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your leatherleaf 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

Scale can spread quickly to your other houseplants. Treat it as soon as you spot the first bump to keep the infestation from getting out of control.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your fern regularly when you water it. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them down with a damp cloth occasionally.

Leatherleaf Fern: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your leatherleaf 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?: Yes, insecticidal soap is effective against scale. Follow the label instructions and ensure you cover both sides of the fronds.
Where did these bugs come from?: Scale insects are often brought in on new plants or through open windows. They are experts at hitching a ride into your home.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

What are these brown bumps on my Leatherleaf Fern?