Troubleshooting
Blue Cycas problems — and how to fix them
Blue Cycas (Cycas thouarsii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Caudex and root rot
Wet, poorly drained soil rots the trunk; use a gritty mix and water conservatively, especially in cool weather.
Frost and chill injury
Only very light frost is survived and at the cost of leaf scorch; protect from temperatures near or below freezing.
Scale insects
Cycad aulacaspis scale and mealybugs infest the fronds and crown; monitor closely and treat early.
Etiolation in low light
Indoor plants in dim spots produce weak, stretched fronds; provide the brightest light available.
Prevent blue cycas problems before they start
Most blue cycas issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for blue cycas in general rather than its problems? Read the full blue cycas care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Blue Cycas problems — FAQ
Why is my blue cycas caudex and root rot?
Wet, poorly drained soil rots the trunk; use a gritty mix and water conservatively, especially in cool weather.
Why is my blue cycas frost and chill injury?
Only very light frost is survived and at the cost of leaf scorch; protect from temperatures near or below freezing.
Why is my blue cycas scale insects?
Cycad aulacaspis scale and mealybugs infest the fronds and crown; monitor closely and treat early.
Why is my blue cycas etiolation in low light?
Indoor plants in dim spots produce weak, stretched fronds; provide the brightest light available.