Troubleshooting
Hope's Cycad problems — and how to fix them
Hope's Cycad (Lepidozamia hopei) 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.
Brown leaf tips from low humidity
Crispy brown tips indicate air is too dry for this rainforest cycad. Increase ambient humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, and avoid placing near air conditioning vents or heaters.
Root rot in poor-draining soil
Despite needing moisture, waterlogged soil is fatal. Ensure containers have multiple drainage holes and that the growing medium does not compact. Repot into fresh, airy mix if the soil has degraded.
Mealybugs
White cottony masses at the leaf base and on new fronds indicate mealybug infestation. Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab for spot treatment, or apply neem oil or insecticidal soap solution to all plant surfaces.
Prevent hope's cycad problems before they start
Most hope's cycad issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for hope's cycad in general rather than its problems? Read the full hope's cycad care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Hope's Cycad problems — FAQ
Why is my hope's cycad brown leaf tips from low humidity?
Crispy brown tips indicate air is too dry for this rainforest cycad. Increase ambient humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, and avoid placing near air conditioning vents or heaters.
Why is my hope's cycad root rot in poor-draining soil?
Despite needing moisture, waterlogged soil is fatal. Ensure containers have multiple drainage holes and that the growing medium does not compact. Repot into fresh, airy mix if the soil has degraded.
Why is my hope's cycad mealybugs?
White cottony masses at the leaf base and on new fronds indicate mealybug infestation. Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab for spot treatment, or apply neem oil or insecticidal soap solution to all plant surfaces.