Pest identification
What's eating my blue cycad?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: White scale encrustations on fronds, trunk, and roots; yellowing and collapse of fronds; plant death in severe cases
Control: Horticultural oil sprays repeated every 10–14 days; imidacloprid systemic drench; physically remove infested fronds
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly colonies at leaf axils and in the crown; honeydew deposits attract sooty mold
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and stippled, bronzing leaflets in low-humidity indoor conditions
Control: Raise humidity; forceful water rinse; apply neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days for 3+ cycles
Keep blue cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blue Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my blue cycad?
Blue Cycad (Encephalartos nubimontanus) has striking glaucous-blue fronds that can be marred by cycad aulacaspis scale, the foremost threat to cultivated cycads globally. Mealybugs and soft scale also attack stems and frond bases. In dry indoor environments, spider mites may cause leaflet bronzing. Early intervention protects this endangered showpiece plant.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on blue cycad?
White scale encrustations on fronds, trunk, and roots; yellowing and collapse of fronds; plant death in severe cases Horticultural oil sprays repeated every 10–14 days; imidacloprid systemic drench; physically remove infested fronds
How do I get rid of mealybugs on blue cycad?
White woolly colonies at leaf axils and in the crown; honeydew deposits attract sooty mold Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on blue cycad?
Fine webbing and stippled, bronzing leaflets in low-humidity indoor conditions Raise humidity; forceful water rinse; apply neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days for 3+ cycles