Troubleshooting
Fadang problems — and how to fix them
Fadang (Cycas micronesica) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
This scale insect is responsible for devastating wild fadang populations on Guam; it coats fronds, petioles, and even roots with dense white colonies, causing rapid chlorosis and plant death. Inspect plants weekly, treat immediately with horticultural oil and systemic imidacloprid, and quarantine all new cycad acquisitions.
Crown rot in cool, wet conditions
Being a tropical island species, fadang is particularly vulnerable to fungal crown rot when kept below 18°C in wet conditions; the central growing point collapses. In the UK, overwinter under glass above 18°C and keep the crown dry; improve drainage and air circulation at all times.
Prevent fadang problems before they start
Most fadang issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Fadang problems — FAQ
Why is my fadang cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui)?
This scale insect is responsible for devastating wild fadang populations on Guam; it coats fronds, petioles, and even roots with dense white colonies, causing rapid chlorosis and plant death. Inspect plants weekly, treat immediately with horticultural oil and systemic imidacloprid, and quarantine all new cycad acquisitions.
Why is my fadang crown rot in cool, wet conditions?
Being a tropical island species, fadang is particularly vulnerable to fungal crown rot when kept below 18°C in wet conditions; the central growing point collapses. In the UK, overwinter under glass above 18°C and keep the crown dry; improve drainage and air circulation at all times.