What's eating my breadtree?

Breadtree (Encephalartos caffer) is susceptible to armored scale insects, mealybugs, and the seed weevil Antliarhinus zamiae. Scale is the primary threat in cultivation, causing characteristic yellowing and white encrustation on fronds. Good cultural care — avoiding drought stress and ensuring airflow — reduces vulnerability. Treat scale early with horticultural oil.

Circular to oval brown or grey shields on leaf surfaces and stems; heavy infestations cause chlorotic spotting, frond yellowing, and dieback Prune and dispose of heavily infested fronds; apply horticultural oil spray on a weekly cycle for 4 weeks; follow with a systemic drench if needed

White mealy colonies in leaf axils and trunk crevices; sticky honeydew and sooty mold; stunted emerging leaves Spot-treat with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 7–10 days for a month

Larvae hollow out seeds in female cones, completely destroying seed viability; damage is internal and only apparent when seeds are opened Inspect cones regularly; remove and destroy infested seeds immediately; use preventive systemic insecticide at cone emergence