Boston ferns ( Nephrolepis exaltata ) area versatile plantthat can be comprise into your landscape painting in a miscellanea of ways . Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness geographical zone 8b through 11 , they tolerate light more than other fern species ; are able to arise in dry condition ; and make idealistic container , pedestal , specimen or group planting options . However , while they are relatively well-to-do to like for , Boston ferns can be bothered by pests that do significant damage to the plant . Being able-bodied to spot the symptoms of the most common Boston fern pests , though , entail you may deal with the trouble quickly so harm is limited .
Caterpillars
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Caterpillars are one of the most common pests that touch on Boston fern , and they are usually promiscuous to spot since the worms are understandably visible to the naked heart . Caterpillars can also leave detectable excrement behind on the leave-taking of Boston ferns , which usually resemble thin black pellet . In addition , you may often recognize hurt that cat have impose on the plant as they eat — it usually indicate up as holes along the perimeter or in the heart and soul of the leaves .
Mealybugs
mealy bug are another common pest for Boston ferns . They are small , balmy worm with a livid downy or cottony subject matter that cover their body . Usually , mealy bug affect the lower folio surface and antecedent of Boston ferns , and their presence is made know by evidence of sooty mold or honeydew , a awkward , sirup - like residue , on the moved areas . In cases of terrible infestation , Boston ferns may really begin to die , with wilted , yellow or brown leaves appearing and the roots becoming loose .
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats often cause problems for Boston ferns , and these insect can be hard to spot . That ’s because they have small black bodies that can go in with ground and other natural materials . They can also fly so they are able to move around quickly . Mature fungus gnats are typically found on the leaves of a Boston fern or on the soil aerofoil surrounding it . Their larvae resemble small worms with clear bodies and disgraceful heads . regain in the soil , fungus gnat larvae actually make webs along the land Earth’s surface . Damage happens when the larvae feed on the flora ’s roots , lower stem tissue and any leaves that may be in physical contact with the dirt . Evidence of damage includes wilting and yellowing leaf . By damage the roots , the larvae also leave Boston fern vulnerable to disease , which can cause more serious problems for the flora .
Scales
ordered series are one of the more unmanageable pest to spot on Boston ferns , as well as other plants . They usually have little hard bodies and lack legs , so they do not move around , which make it difficult to secernate them from the plant life that they ’ve infested . scale usually take up residency on the stems and farewell of Boston ferns . Like mealybugs , they excrete honeydew as they feed on the plants and grim moulding may develop on the leaves and stem as a outcome . Boston ferns infested with musical scale can also become stunted and set forth to perish .
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