Troubleshooting
Natal Grass Cycad problems — and how to fix them
Natal Grass Cycad (Stangeria eriopus) 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.
Tuber rot
The most frequent killer in cultivation. Results from overwatering or a soil mix that retains too much moisture. Symptoms include yellowing fronds and a soft, discoloured tuber. Remove affected tissue, dust with sulphur, and repot in a drier, grittier mix.
Spider mites
In warm, dry indoor conditions red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) can infest the undersides of fronds, causing stippled yellowing. Increase humidity, and treat with a miticide spray or neem oil, repeating at 5-day intervals.
Cold damage
Temperatures below 12 °C cause frond browning and stop growth. Even brief cold drafts from open windows in winter can set the plant back for an entire growing season. Maintain minimum indoor temperatures above 15 °C.
Prevent natal grass cycad problems before they start
Most natal grass cycad issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Natal Grass Cycad problems — FAQ
Why is my natal grass cycad tuber rot?
The most frequent killer in cultivation. Results from overwatering or a soil mix that retains too much moisture. Symptoms include yellowing fronds and a soft, discoloured tuber. Remove affected tissue, dust with sulphur, and repot in a drier, grittier mix.
Why is my natal grass cycad spider mites?
In warm, dry indoor conditions red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) can infest the undersides of fronds, causing stippled yellowing. Increase humidity, and treat with a miticide spray or neem oil, repeating at 5-day intervals.
Why is my natal grass cycad cold damage?
Temperatures below 12 °C cause frond browning and stop growth. Even brief cold drafts from open windows in winter can set the plant back for an entire growing season. Maintain minimum indoor temperatures above 15 °C.