Troubleshooting
Burrawang problems — and how to fix them
Burrawang (Macrozamia communis) 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 (crown) rot
The most common cause of death in cultivation. Caused by poorly draining soil or overwatering. Remove affected tissue, dust with sulphur fungicide, and repot into dry, gritty compost; do not water for two weeks.
Scale insects
Armoured scale (Aulacaspis and others) colonise the undersides of fronds and along the rachis. Treat with horticultural oil spray, repeating every 10 days for three cycles; severe infestations may require a systemic insecticide.
Chlorotic (yellowing) fronds
Often signals manganese deficiency, especially in alkaline soils or pots with limestone grit. Apply chelated manganese as a foliar spray in spring.
Prevent burrawang problems before they start
Most burrawang issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Burrawang problems — FAQ
Why is my burrawang caudex (crown) rot?
The most common cause of death in cultivation. Caused by poorly draining soil or overwatering. Remove affected tissue, dust with sulphur fungicide, and repot into dry, gritty compost; do not water for two weeks.
Why is my burrawang scale insects?
Armoured scale (Aulacaspis and others) colonise the undersides of fronds and along the rachis. Treat with horticultural oil spray, repeating every 10 days for three cycles; severe infestations may require a systemic insecticide.
Why is my burrawang chlorotic (yellowing) fronds?
Often signals manganese deficiency, especially in alkaline soils or pots with limestone grit. Apply chelated manganese as a foliar spray in spring.