What's eating my ceratozamia robusta?

Ceratozamia robusta, a large Mexican cycad, shares the pest profile of its genus: cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) is the gravest threat, capable of destroying fronds within weeks. Mealybugs and thrips attack new flushes. Treat scale with combined systemic and contact methods; protect vulnerable new fronds from thrips during emergence.

Chalky white encrustations on leaflet undersides and rachis; progressive yellowing, browning, and plant decline Soil drench with imidacloprid; spray fronds with horticultural oil; prune and destroy infested tissue; treat every 4–6 weeks

White cottony colonies in the crown and at leaf bases; reduced vigor and honeydew buildup Remove with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray on the whole plant; isolate until pest-free

Silvery streaking on emerging leaflets; distorted or stunted new growth during the flush period Apply spinosad or neem oil during leaf emergence; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization that promotes soft, susceptible new tissue