What's eating my ceratozamia hildae?

Ceratozamia hildae, the bamboo cycad, is a compact Mexican species vulnerable to the same threats as other cycads: cycad scale is the primary danger, and mealybugs are a common secondary pest. Its soft, bamboo-like leaflets also attract spider mites in low-humidity indoor settings. Check leaflet undersides regularly and treat early.

Dense white colonies on leaflet undersides; leaflets yellow and brown; plant growth slows dramatically Apply imidacloprid drench and horticultural oil contact spray; repeat monthly; remove heavily infested fronds promptly

White waxy tufts at petiole bases and in the crown; sooty mold, leaf yellowing, weakened new flush Dab colonies with rubbing alcohol; apply insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil; quarantine the plant and recheck weekly

Pale stippling and fine webbing on the soft, narrow leaflets, especially in dry heated rooms Improve humidity; wash foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray on a 5–7 day schedule for 3 rounds