What's eating my drakensberg cycad?

Drakensberg Cycad (Encephalartos ghellinckii) is a high-altitude South African cycad that, in cultivation, faces cycad aulacaspis scale as its primary pest. Mealybugs appear in the crown and frond bases. Spider mites cause stippling in dry indoor air. Given its endangered status, any pest pressure should be treated promptly to prevent irreversible damage.

White crusty scale on fronds, trunk, and roots; fronds yellow and die; roots can be overwhelmed underground Repeated horticultural oil sprays every 10–14 days; imidacloprid soil drench; thorough root inspection at repotting

White waxy masses at crown and leaf bases; sooty mold and stunted new flushes Remove with alcohol-tipped swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly for a month

Bronzed, stippled leaflets; fine webbing; most common indoors in winter when heating lowers humidity Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days; rinse foliage regularly