skip to main content

White bugs on birds nest fern

8 years ago

Can someone offer me some advice on what they are. The leaves don't have a sticky feeling like with scale. I sprayed the leaves with soapy water, let it sit for an hour and a half then rinsed it off. I rechecked it today and they're still there. Any insight would be appreciated.

Featured Answer

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

8 years ago

How long have you had your plant? Have you grown a BNF before?

Are you talking about the tiny white spheres I see in the picture? Are these things in the soil as well as on the plant?

The plant looks distressed, you will have to inventory the needs of a BNF and evaluate what you might be doing wrong. They aren't difficult to grow, but are sensitive to such things as drafts, sun burn, excess fertilizer, too little or too much water, etc.

I don't see nor have you described the usual list of pests....mealies, scale, whitefly. The little white things I see remind me of little soil mites but I'd need a description of their behavior.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
Rondac, you'll either need to take some pictures to share or do a very good job of describing the 'white bugs'.
Ronda
Original Author
8 years ago
The bugs are too small to photograph. I had to use a magnifying glass to see them. I watered it and saw a tiny speck moving near the base. So, I did the soap and water thing. I checked it again today and I saw another one. Most of the leaves are looking awful. Brown around the edges and some have what looks like bruises. Hope this helps.
Related Discussions
Bird's Nest Fern with yellowing leaves and white dots
Q
Comments (5)
Sounds like scale, they're a sap sucking insect with a bit of a hard shell over their back. There are insecticides for them and you can also rub them off with cotton buds dipped in alcohol. But you have to check thoroughly all over the plant and in all the nooks and crannies for any hiding that might later breed up again.
...See More
Birds Nest Fern Sticky
Q
Comments (3)
Hi Brenda I don't know anything about ferns, but I do know a lot about bonsai. In the bonsai business, we often find a small critter that leaves behind a sticky residue on everything. The first time I found it on my ficus, it had covered leaves, the pot rim, plus the surrounding table top. I'm not sure where you'll find additional info on the Garden Web about scale, but they are easy to remove with a soap based spray. Try searching Google for Scale Bugs. Good Luck Mark Hill
...See More
Bird's Nest Fern - Bottom Fronds Turning White
Q
Comments (1)
G'day, my Bird's nest fern has done this as well. Doing some research i read some place that it could be using hard water for a long time. the town i live in is quite renowned for having very hard water so perhaps it is true. I am doing to try watering only with the filtered water. fingers crossed :-)
...See More
Humming Bird left the nest at night
Q
Comments (2)
If the mother hummingbird isn't back by morning, you should quickly contact a bird rehabilitator. Don't think there is a charge. Hummingbirds and babies must eat every 15-30 minutes. Mix up some hummingbird food- 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar. Boil the water, add the sugar, stir till sugar is dissolved. Let cool to room temp. Feed babies with plastic eyedropper, slowly, one drop at a time so they don't choke. This will sustain them for a short period of time, but get them to a bird rehab fast. Call "Wild Birds Unlimited" store-or similiar stores, maybe even pet shops- to find a rehabilitator. Good Luck- hope the mom comes back!!!
...See More
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years ago
Compare your bugs to mealybug & whitefly.
Ronda
Original Author
8 years ago
I've had the plant for about 3 months. I've never grown one before and it was distressed when I got it. I was going to save it. Those are the spheres I'm referring to. I notice them right after I water on the soil. Any more advice you can offer, would be appreciated. Thanks
tlbean2004
8 years ago
Are you sure the spheres are not part of the actual plant?

Doesn't really look like a pest i have seen before but i really dont know.

And when you spray a plant with anything you dont really have to rinse them off again with water.

Neem oil works good.
Ronda
Original Author
8 years ago
I don't think they're part of the plant. But I'm new to all this, so I really don't know that much. I'll definitely get some neem oil. Where do you get that? And thanks for the tip.
tlbean2004
8 years ago
You can get the neem oil at Lowes.
Ronda
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for all your help. Hopefully, I won't need it again. Ha ha
tlbean2004
8 years ago
I think they are part of the plant! You can see little things at the bottom of the plant in this pic i found.
Ronda
Original Author
8 years ago
I do believe your right. Whew, and I thought I was going to have to throw it away. Now, I know. I bookmarked your comment, in case I need help again. I don't know where to find it. Help
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
Are you talking about white 'things' I circled in your photo? Those are plant parts...but tiny white specks are supposedly moving???
Ronda
Original Author
8 years ago
That isn't my photo, that's one that was posted in a comment to me. I have a close up of the base of mine further up in the discussion. There's one of the white specks on the right that you can see quite well. If you look at it and have any suggestions, I'm all ears. Thanks
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
Ronda

I apologize, I was referring to comment by tlbean.

I do see some white specks in your photos (beggining of thread), but being so small it's hard to tell. All I am saying - if it moves, it is not part of plant...otherwise everything rhizo said
Ronda
Original Author
8 years ago
No apologies needed. I wish I had been able to get a better picture, but like you said they're tiny. I'm just going to keep watch and hopefully a little love will be enough. I appreciate your input. Thanks
debbiep50
last year
I have the same probkem i gave fone Neem then switched to dish soap and water still no luck. i dont kniw what to do next.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Bring on the Birds: Natural Habitat Ideas for Gardens of All Sizes

Provide nesting, watering and perching spots inspired by the Costa Rican jungle and watch the birds flock on over

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Porch Life: Banish the Bugs

By Becky Harris

Don't let insects be the bane of your sweet tea and swing time. These screening and product ideas will help keep bugs at bay on the porch

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Breezy and Bug-Free Modern Porches

Screening keeps pests out of these diverse porches across the U.S., while thoughtful designs keep them visually appealing

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

GARDENING GUIDES Plant Black Cherry Trees for the Birds and Bees

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant Prunus serotina in the Central and Eastern U.S. for spring flowers, interesting bark and beautiful fall color

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

Sponsored

More Discussions

Alpine Violet Cyclomen

13

What do I do with this plant?

11

Philodendron Birkin

2

can my gorgeous fiddle leaf be saved?

8

Help with my Monstera

5