Troubleshooting
Mpumalanga Cycad problems — and how to fix them
Mpumalanga Cycad (Encephalartos inopinus) 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 and caudex rot
Poor drainage or overwatering leads to basal rot. The caudex becomes soft and discoloured. Remove all affected tissue with sterile tools, treat with a copper-based fungicide, leave to dry for 3–7 days, and replant in a very gritty, dry mix. Water sparingly for several months.
Cycad scale
Aulacaspis yasumatsui scale can cause plant death if unchecked. Inspect the undersides of leaflets and stem regularly. Control with repeated horticultural oil or neem oil sprays every 7–10 days, combined with a systemic imidacloprid soil drench for severe infestations.
Frond yellowing
New fronds emerging yellow may indicate manganese deficiency (common in alkaline or waterlogged soils) or overwatering. Check soil drainage and pH first. If drainage is adequate, apply a foliar manganese sulfate spray and switch to a cycad fertiliser containing chelated micronutrients.
Prevent mpumalanga cycad problems before they start
Most mpumalanga cycad issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for mpumalanga cycad in general rather than its problems? Read the full mpumalanga cycad care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Mpumalanga Cycad problems — FAQ
Why is my mpumalanga cycad root and caudex rot?
Poor drainage or overwatering leads to basal rot. The caudex becomes soft and discoloured. Remove all affected tissue with sterile tools, treat with a copper-based fungicide, leave to dry for 3–7 days, and replant in a very gritty, dry mix. Water sparingly for several months.
Why is my mpumalanga cycad cycad scale?
Aulacaspis yasumatsui scale can cause plant death if unchecked. Inspect the undersides of leaflets and stem regularly. Control with repeated horticultural oil or neem oil sprays every 7–10 days, combined with a systemic imidacloprid soil drench for severe infestations.
Why is my mpumalanga cycad frond yellowing?
New fronds emerging yellow may indicate manganese deficiency (common in alkaline or waterlogged soils) or overwatering. Check soil drainage and pH first. If drainage is adequate, apply a foliar manganese sulfate spray and switch to a cycad fertiliser containing chelated micronutrients.