Troubleshooting
Dyer's Macrozamia problems — and how to fix them
Dyer's Macrozamia (Macrozamia dyeri) 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.
Chlorotic new fronds
Yellow or pale new growth often indicates manganese or magnesium deficiency, common in cycads growing in sandy or alkaline soils. Apply chelated micronutrient fertiliser or a cycad-specific foliar spray at flush emergence.
Cycad blue butterfly larvae
In Australia, Theclinesthes onycha caterpillars feed on new fronds. Physical removal or application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) during flush emergence is effective. Damage is cosmetic in established plants but severe on seedlings.
Crown rot
Water pooling in the crown during wet weather can cause Phytophthora crown rot. Ensure the planting position sheds water away from the caudex. Affected plants can sometimes be saved by removing rotted tissue and applying copper oxychloride.
Prevent dyer's macrozamia problems before they start
Most dyer's macrozamia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for dyer's macrozamia in general rather than its problems? Read the full dyer's macrozamia care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Dyer's Macrozamia problems — FAQ
Why is my dyer's macrozamia chlorotic new fronds?
Yellow or pale new growth often indicates manganese or magnesium deficiency, common in cycads growing in sandy or alkaline soils. Apply chelated micronutrient fertiliser or a cycad-specific foliar spray at flush emergence.
Why is my dyer's macrozamia cycad blue butterfly larvae?
In Australia, Theclinesthes onycha caterpillars feed on new fronds. Physical removal or application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) during flush emergence is effective. Damage is cosmetic in established plants but severe on seedlings.
Why is my dyer's macrozamia crown rot?
Water pooling in the crown during wet weather can cause Phytophthora crown rot. Ensure the planting position sheds water away from the caudex. Affected plants can sometimes be saved by removing rotted tissue and applying copper oxychloride.