Troubleshooting
Miquel's Cycad problems — and how to fix them
Miquel's Cycad (Macrozamia miquelii) 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.
Root rot from poor drainage
The primary killer of container-grown specimens. Use unglazed terracotta pots or raised-bed plantings with generous gravel layers to ensure rapid drainage, and never allow the caudex base to sit in pooled water.
Cycad scale
Aulacaspis yasumatsui (cycad aulacaspis scale) is an invasive pest that can defoliate and kill cycads. Treat at the first sign of white encrustation on fronds and caudex with horticultural oil and systemic imidacloprid.
Iron chlorosis
Yellow fronds with green veins indicate iron deficiency, often caused by high soil pH. Apply chelated iron as a foliar spray and acidify the substrate with elemental sulphur if pH exceeds 7.0.
Prevent miquel's cycad problems before they start
Most miquel's cycad issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for miquel's cycad in general rather than its problems? Read the full miquel's cycad care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Miquel's Cycad problems — FAQ
Why is my miquel's cycad root rot from poor drainage?
The primary killer of container-grown specimens. Use unglazed terracotta pots or raised-bed plantings with generous gravel layers to ensure rapid drainage, and never allow the caudex base to sit in pooled water.
Why is my miquel's cycad cycad scale?
Aulacaspis yasumatsui (cycad aulacaspis scale) is an invasive pest that can defoliate and kill cycads. Treat at the first sign of white encrustation on fronds and caudex with horticultural oil and systemic imidacloprid.
Why is my miquel's cycad iron chlorosis?
Yellow fronds with green veins indicate iron deficiency, often caused by high soil pH. Apply chelated iron as a foliar spray and acidify the substrate with elemental sulphur if pH exceeds 7.0.