What's eating my cape cycad?

Cape Cycad (Stangeria eriopus) is a fern-like cycad grown as a specialist houseplant, most threatened by cycad scale and mealybugs that exploit its softer, less-armored foliage. Spider mites thrive in dry indoor air. Its atypical fern-like leaves are unusually susceptible compared to hard-leafed cycads — inspect regularly and maintain high humidity.

White crusty colonies on frond undersides and stems; yellowing fronds that wither rapidly, more damaging than on harder-leafed cycads Horticultural oil spray on all frond surfaces; repeat every 2 weeks for at least 6 weeks; systemic imidacloprid drench if colonies persist

White cottony masses at leaf bases, crown, and underground stem junction; honeydew and stunted croziers Isopropyl alcohol swabs for colonies; neem oil spray weekly; quarantine from other cycads

Fine stippling and pale webbing across the soft, pinnate leaflets — more visible than on hard-leafed species Mist foliage regularly to boost humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days