Pest identification
What's eating my cycas rumphii?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: Dense white armoured scale covering fronds, roots and crown; rapid yellowing and potential plant death if untreated
Control: Apply horticultural oil spray thoroughly including roots and crown; repeat every 2 weeks; systemic insecticide drenches for heavy infestations
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils, at the crown, and under frond scales; sticky honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Remove manually with alcohol swabs; drench with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days
Cycad blue butterfly caterpillars (Chilades pandava)
Signs: Caterpillars skeletonise and devour new flush of leaves outdoors in tropical Asia; emerging croziers destroyed
Control: Hand-pick caterpillars and eggs; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to new growth; protect new flushes with netting
Keep cycas rumphii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cycas Rumphii pests — FAQ
What is eating my cycas rumphii?
Cycas rumphii (Queen Sago Cycad) is most seriously damaged by cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui), an invasive armoured scale that can kill plants rapidly. Mealybugs and other soft scales also infest fronds. Outdoors, cycad blue butterfly caterpillars devour new leaves in tropical regions. Regular inspection and prompt treatment are essential for this slow-growing cycad.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on cycas rumphii?
Dense white armoured scale covering fronds, roots and crown; rapid yellowing and potential plant death if untreated Apply horticultural oil spray thoroughly including roots and crown; repeat every 2 weeks; systemic insecticide drenches for heavy infestations
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cycas rumphii?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils, at the crown, and under frond scales; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Remove manually with alcohol swabs; drench with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of cycad blue butterfly caterpillars (chilades pandava) on cycas rumphii?
Caterpillars skeletonise and devour new flush of leaves outdoors in tropical Asia; emerging croziers destroyed Hand-pick caterpillars and eggs; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to new growth; protect new flushes with netting