Troubleshooting
Micholitz's Cycad problems — and how to fix them
Micholitz's Cycad (Cycas micholitzii) 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.
Scale insects
Armoured and soft scales commonly colonise fronds and the trunk base. Wipe with a cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol or apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every 10 days for three cycles.
Root rot from overwatering
The most common fatal error. Yellowing at the frond base and a soft, discoloured crown signal rot. Remove from pot, cut away blackened roots, dust with sulphur powder, and repot into fresh dry gritty mix. Withhold water for one week.
Frond yellowing (manganese deficiency)
Cycads are prone to manganese deficiency in poorly draining or high-pH soils. New fronds emerge yellow-green with green veins. Correct soil pH and apply chelated manganese foliar spray.
Prevent micholitz's cycad problems before they start
Most micholitz's cycad issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for micholitz's cycad in general rather than its problems? Read the full micholitz's cycad care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Micholitz's Cycad problems — FAQ
Why is my micholitz's cycad scale insects?
Armoured and soft scales commonly colonise fronds and the trunk base. Wipe with a cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol or apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every 10 days for three cycles.
Why is my micholitz's cycad root rot from overwatering?
The most common fatal error. Yellowing at the frond base and a soft, discoloured crown signal rot. Remove from pot, cut away blackened roots, dust with sulphur powder, and repot into fresh dry gritty mix. Withhold water for one week.
Why is my micholitz's cycad frond yellowing (manganese deficiency)?
Cycads are prone to manganese deficiency in poorly draining or high-pH soils. New fronds emerge yellow-green with green veins. Correct soil pH and apply chelated manganese foliar spray.