Pest identification
What's eating my colombian zamia?
Scale insects (including cycad aulacaspis scale)
Signs: White or waxy bumps on stems, petioles, and frond undersides; yellowing leaves and rapid decline if untreated
Control: Horticultural oil spray every 10–14 days; systemic imidacloprid drench for severe cases; manual removal of visible scale
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at crown and frond bases; honeydew and sooty mold; stunted growth
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, bronzed leaflets with fine webbing in dry indoor air
Control: Raise humidity; rinse with water; spray neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days
Keep colombian zamia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Colombian Zamia pests — FAQ
What is eating my colombian zamia?
Colombian Zamia (Zamia cf. encephalartoides) is a tropical cycad that in cultivation is most threatened by scale insects and mealybugs feeding on its stems and frond bases. Cycad aulacaspis scale can be devastating where present. Spider mites appear in low humidity. Fungus gnats may colonise wet potting mix. Prompt treatment is essential for this rare species.
How do I get rid of scale insects (including cycad aulacaspis scale) on colombian zamia?
White or waxy bumps on stems, petioles, and frond undersides; yellowing leaves and rapid decline if untreated Horticultural oil spray every 10–14 days; systemic imidacloprid drench for severe cases; manual removal of visible scale
How do I get rid of mealybugs on colombian zamia?
White cottony deposits at crown and frond bases; honeydew and sooty mold; stunted growth Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on colombian zamia?
Stippled, bronzed leaflets with fine webbing in dry indoor air Raise humidity; rinse with water; spray neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days