Pest identification
What's eating my australian foxtail cycad?
Scale insects
Signs: Circular waxy shields on fronds and rachis; yellowing leaflets and honeydew deposits
Control: Scrape off with a toothbrush and alcohol; treat with neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat fortnightly
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at crown and leaf bases; stunted, twisted new fronds
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil foliar spray to affected areas
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and pale stippling on leaflet surfaces, especially in low-humidity rooms
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove mites; spray with insecticidal soap; boost ambient humidity
Keep australian foxtail cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Australian Foxtail Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my australian foxtail cycad?
Macrozamia communis kept as a houseplant is most vulnerable to scale insects that colonize the tough leaflets and stems. Mealybugs exploit the dense crown. Spider mites may flare up in warm, dry indoor air. Overall pest pressure is low compared to softer tropicals, but scale can go unnoticed for months.
How do I get rid of scale insects on australian foxtail cycad?
Circular waxy shields on fronds and rachis; yellowing leaflets and honeydew deposits Scrape off with a toothbrush and alcohol; treat with neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat fortnightly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on australian foxtail cycad?
White cottony masses at crown and leaf bases; stunted, twisted new fronds Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil foliar spray to affected areas
How do I get rid of spider mites on australian foxtail cycad?
Fine webbing and pale stippling on leaflet surfaces, especially in low-humidity rooms Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove mites; spray with insecticidal soap; boost ambient humidity