What's eating my debao cycad?

Debao Cycad (Cycas debaoensis) is a critically endangered Chinese cycad susceptible to cycad aulacaspis scale, the most serious pest of cultivated cycads globally. Mealybugs colonise the crown and frond bases. Scale insects may appear on stems. Spider mites attack in dry indoor air. Every specimen is precious — monitor frequently and act at the first sign of infestation.

Dense white scale coating on fronds, trunk, and roots; progressive frond yellowing and plant death Horticultural oil spray every 10–14 days for multiple cycles; imidacloprid soil drench; inspect and treat roots during repotting

White woolly clusters at crown and petiole bases; honeydew and sooty mold; stunted emergence of new cones or fronds Manually remove with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until clear

Stippled, bronzed leaflets with fine webbing; worsens in low-humidity indoor settings Raise humidity; spray forcefully with water; apply neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days