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  3. Ferns

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Problem Solver Plant Marquee

Plant:

Ferns
Image of Ferns
Adaptation
Varieties grow in most of the continental US
Soil
Loose, rich, well drained.
Water
Keep the soil moist.
Fertilizer
Fertilize as needed with an all-purpose plant food.
Light
Part shade to shade.
Related problems

Brown Scale -

Image of Brown Scale
Brown Scale

Foliar Nematode - Ferns

Image of Foliar Nematode - Ferns
Foliar Nematode

Mealybugs - Ferns

Image of Mealybugs - Ferns
Mealybugs

Root Rot - Ferns

Image of Root Rot - Ferns
Root Rot

Salt Damage - Ferns

Image of Salt Damage - Ferns
Salt Damage

Scale Insects - Ferns

Image of Scale Insects - Ferns
Scale Insects
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Brown Scale -

Image of Brown Scale
Brown Scale
Description
Brown, crusty bumps; thick, white, waxy bumps; or clusters of somewhat flattened yellow or whitish scaly bumps cover the fronds. The bumps can be scraped or picked off. Fronds may turn yellow, and leaflets may drop. In some cases, a shiny, sticky substance coats the fronds. Scales are sometimes mistaken for reproductive spores produced by the fern.
Analysis

Many different types of scales infest ferns. They lay their eggs on the fronds, and in spring to midsummer the young scales, called crawlers, settle down to feed. These small (1/10 inch) soft-bodied young feed by sucking sap from the plant. The legs usually atrophy, and a hard crusty or waxy shell develops over the body. Mature female scales lay their eggs underneath their shells. Some species of scales are unable to digest fully all the sugar in the sap, and they excrete the excess in a fluid called honeydew, which coats the fronds.

Solution

Apply an insecticide labeled for scales. Discard severely infested plants.

Close

Foliar Nematode - Ferns

Image of Foliar Nematode - Ferns
Foliar Nematode
Description
Brown spots appear first near the central vein at the bases of the fronds of bird''s-nest fern. The spots spread outward between the parallel veins forming brown bands. Much of the leaf may become infected. Severely infected leaves or entire plants may die.
Analysis

Aphelenchoides fragariae This disease is caused by a nematode that infests the leaves. Nematodes are microscopic, clear worms that usually infect the roots of plants. This nematode, however, infects the foliage of a large number of plants, including bird''s-nest fern. The nematodes enter the leaves through the breathing pores. Inside the leaves, they feed on the tissues, killing them, then spread into healthy tissue, extending the damage. The veins in the leaves act as barriers, resulting in the parallel bands. The nematodes reproduce rapidly in the infected leaves. They spread outside the leaves when the leaves are wet by swimming through the film of water. They may be splashed to other leaves or plants. When the condition is severe, leaves or plants may be killed.

Solution

Cut off and destroy infested leaves. If plants are severely infested, destroy them. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. Do not spray or mist the foliage of bird''s-nest fern. Keep plants in rooms warm enough so that dew does not form and the leaves do not exude water at their margins.

Close

Mealybugs - Ferns

Image of Mealybugs - Ferns
Mealybugs
Description
Leaflets or stems are covered with white, cottony, cushionlike masses. Leaflets turn yellow and may drop; fronds may die.
Analysis

Cottony cushion scales and mealybugs infest many plants in the garden. Mealybugs are usually found outdoors only in warmer climates, but they may be found on indoor plants anyplace. The visual similarities between these insects make separate identification difficult. They are conspicuous in late spring and summer because the females are covered with a white, cottony egg sac, containing up to 2,500 eggs. Females lay their egg masses on leaves and stems. The young insects that hatch from these eggs are yellowish brown to green. They feed throughout the summer, causing damage by withdrawing plant sap from the ferns. Some species of scales and mealybugs are unable to digest fully all the sugar in the plant sap, and they excrete the excess in a fluid called honeydew.

Solution

Separate infested plants from those not affected. Apply an insecticide labeled for mealybugs. If only a few bugs are present, wipe them off with a damp cloth or with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. Inspect new plants thoroughly before putting them in the house.

Close

Root Rot - Ferns

Image of Root Rot - Ferns
Root Rot
Description
Plants fail to grow and are stunted. Potting mix may have a musty smell. Roots are soft and decayed. The roots'' outer portion slips off easily from the central portion. The top of the plant may fall over or be lifted easily out of the soil. Infected plants may die.
Analysis

Soil-dwelling fungi (Pythium species), also known as water molds, cause this plant disease. These fungi attack and rot the roots of many plants, including ferns. The fungi may invade only the smaller rootlets, stunting the plant, or they may invade the main root system and cause severe rotting. Fern roots are dark, so inspecting them may be difficult. Infected roots are unable to pick up enough moisture and nutrients to support the plant. The leaves of many ferns are so stiff that they wilt only slightly. Plants in soil that is too wet are more susceptible.

Solution

If the plant is only mildly affected, let the soil dry out between waterings. If the soil mix is heavy or the container does not drain well, transplant the plant into a container that drains freely. Trim off rotted roots. Use a well-drained potting mix. Discard severely infected plants and the soil in which they grew. Wash and disinfect the pots before reuse.

Close

Salt Damage - Ferns

Image of Salt Damage - Ferns
Salt Damage
Description
Margins of the older leaves die and turn brown, beginning at the base of the fronds and progressing outward. In severe cases, all fronds may have dead margins. Tissues adjacent to the dead margins of older fronds may turn yellow. White to yellowish mineral salts may accumulate on pot edges and on the lower part of plant stems.
Analysis

Ferns are sensitive to excess salts. Soluble salts are picked up by the roots and accumulate in the leaf margins, where concentrations may become high enough to kill the tissues. Salts accumulate from water or from the use of fertilizers, or they may be present in the soil used in potting. Salts accumulate more rapidly and do more harm if the plant is not watered thoroughly each time.

Solution

Flush the potting mix with water. Water the plant at least 3 times, always letting the water drain. It''s easier to do in a bathtub or laundry sink, or outside. Water ferns from the top of the pot. Empty the saucer after the pot has finished draining. If the plant is too large to handle easily, use a turkey baster to remove the drainage water. If salts have accumulated in the pot, replant in fresh potting mix. Do not overfertilize the plant.

Close

Scale Insects - Ferns

Image of Scale Insects - Ferns
Scale Insects
Description
Stems and fronds are covered with white, cottony, cushionlike masses or brown, crusty bumps. The cottony masses do not move when touched. The bumps can be scraped or picked off easily. Fronds turn yellow and may drop. The bumps are sometimes mistaken for reproductive spores produced by the fern.
Analysis

Several different types of scale insects attack ferns. The young, called crawlers, are small (about 1/10 inch) and soft bodied and move about on the plant and onto other plants. After moving about for a short time, they insert their mouthparts into the plant, feeding on the sap. The legs disappear, and the scales remain in the same place for the rest of their lives. Some develop a soft covering, others a hard covering. Some species of scales are unable to digest all the sugar in the plant sap, and they excrete the excess in a fluid called honeydew.

Solution

Isolate infested plants as soon as scales are discovered. Remove as many scales as possible with a cloth or toothbrush dipped in soapy water. Apply an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following label directions. Avoid bringing scale crawlers into the house.

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