Pest identification
What's eating my blue cycas?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: Thick white armoured crust on fronds, stem, and root collar; rapid dieback and death if not controlled
Control: Thorough horticultural oil spray to all plant surfaces including exposed roots; systemic drench (imidacloprid) for severe cases; repeat spray every 2 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy tufts at crown and leaf bases; honeydew deposits and stunted growth
Control: Manually remove with alcohol-soaked swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat fortnightly until clear
Cycad blue butterfly caterpillars (Chilades pandava)
Signs: Larvae devour emerging croziers outdoors in warm regions; leaves emerge skeletonised or fail to unfurl
Control: Spray new growth with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) at bud-break; hand-pick larvae; protect new flushes with fine mesh
Keep blue cycas pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blue Cycas pests — FAQ
What is eating my blue cycas?
Blue Cycas (Cycas thouarsii) is vulnerable to cycad aulacaspis scale, the most destructive cycad pest worldwide, which colonises fronds and roots with dense white armoured masses. Mealybugs infest leaf axils and the crown. In tropical outdoor settings, cycad blue butterfly caterpillars consume new growth. Early and persistent treatment is vital for this slow-growing species.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on blue cycas?
Thick white armoured crust on fronds, stem, and root collar; rapid dieback and death if not controlled Thorough horticultural oil spray to all plant surfaces including exposed roots; systemic drench (imidacloprid) for severe cases; repeat spray every 2 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on blue cycas?
White waxy tufts at crown and leaf bases; honeydew deposits and stunted growth Manually remove with alcohol-soaked swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat fortnightly until clear
How do I get rid of cycad blue butterfly caterpillars (chilades pandava) on blue cycas?
Larvae devour emerging croziers outdoors in warm regions; leaves emerge skeletonised or fail to unfurl Spray new growth with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) at bud-break; hand-pick larvae; protect new flushes with fine mesh