Pest identification
What's eating my califano's dioon?
Armored scale (various species)
Signs: Brown or tan shells encrusting the stem, caudex, and leaf bases; yellowing fronds and general decline
Control: Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil or systemic imidacloprid drench for heavy infestations
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine stippling and bronzing on leaflets; fine webbing visible in dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity, rinse foliage with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.)
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils and along the rachis; sticky honeydew and sooty mold
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate the plant immediately
Keep califano's dioon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Califano's Dioon pests — FAQ
What is eating my califano's dioon?
Califano's Dioon is a slow-growing cycad grown primarily as a collector's houseplant or patio specimen. Scale insects are the most serious threat, encrusting stems and leaf bases. Spider mites attack in warm, dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs colonize leaf axils. Regular inspection and prompt treatment keep this rare cycad healthy.
How do I get rid of armored scale (various species) on califano's dioon?
Brown or tan shells encrusting the stem, caudex, and leaf bases; yellowing fronds and general decline Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil or systemic imidacloprid drench for heavy infestations
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on califano's dioon?
Fine stippling and bronzing on leaflets; fine webbing visible in dry conditions Increase humidity, rinse foliage with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus spp.) on califano's dioon?
White cottony masses in leaf axils and along the rachis; sticky honeydew and sooty mold Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate the plant immediately