Troubleshooting
Prickly Cycad problems — and how to fix them
Prickly Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) 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
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) is a devastating introduced pest that coats leaves and stems with white, armoured scales, eventually killing the plant — treat immediately with horticultural oil and systemic insecticide on first detection.
Crown rot
Overwatering or planting in poorly drained soil causes fungal pathogens to rot the apical growing point, which is often fatal since cycads have only one growing tip; plant in raised beds or very gritty substrate.
Manganese deficiency (frizzle top)
New leaves emerge distorted, stunted, and chlorotic — commonly called 'frizzle top'; correct with a foliar spray of manganese sulphate and improve soil pH to between 6.0 and 7.0 for better nutrient uptake.
Prevent prickly cycad problems before they start
Most prickly cycad issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Prickly Cycad problems — FAQ
Why is my prickly cycad scale insects?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) is a devastating introduced pest that coats leaves and stems with white, armoured scales, eventually killing the plant — treat immediately with horticultural oil and systemic insecticide on first detection.
Why is my prickly cycad crown rot?
Overwatering or planting in poorly drained soil causes fungal pathogens to rot the apical growing point, which is often fatal since cycads have only one growing tip; plant in raised beds or very gritty substrate.
Why is my prickly cycad manganese deficiency (frizzle top)?
New leaves emerge distorted, stunted, and chlorotic — commonly called 'frizzle top'; correct with a foliar spray of manganese sulphate and improve soil pH to between 6.0 and 7.0 for better nutrient uptake.