Pest identification
What's eating my dwarf cycad?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: White scale masses on fronds, stem, and roots; frond yellowing and progressive dieback; fatal if untreated
Control: Horticultural oil sprays every 10–14 days for multiple cycles; systemic imidacloprid drench; remove and destroy severely infested fronds
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in crown and at frond bases; sticky honeydew; stunted emergent fronds
Control: Dab colonies with rubbing alcohol; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Bronzed, stippled leaflets with fine webbing, especially in dry air
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; rinse with water; apply neem oil or a miticide every 5–7 days
Keep dwarf cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dwarf Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my dwarf cycad?
Dwarf Cycad (Encephalartos cupidus) is compact and slow-growing, making pest damage especially costly. Cycad aulacaspis scale is the primary threat, capable of killing plants quickly. Mealybugs colonise the tight crown. Spider mites attack in warm, dry indoor settings. Regular inspection of stems, fronds, and roots is essential for this rare cycad.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on dwarf cycad?
White scale masses on fronds, stem, and roots; frond yellowing and progressive dieback; fatal if untreated Horticultural oil sprays every 10–14 days for multiple cycles; systemic imidacloprid drench; remove and destroy severely infested fronds
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dwarf cycad?
White cottony deposits in crown and at frond bases; sticky honeydew; stunted emergent fronds Dab colonies with rubbing alcohol; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on dwarf cycad?
Bronzed, stippled leaflets with fine webbing, especially in dry air Increase humidity around the plant; rinse with water; apply neem oil or a miticide every 5–7 days