Pest identification
What's eating my dyer's cycad?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: White encrustation on all above- and below-ground parts; rapid frond yellowing and collapse; can kill the plant
Control: Repeated horticultural oil applications every 10–14 days; imidacloprid soil drench; inspect roots when repotting and treat if infested
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at leaf axils and crown; honeydew and sooty mold; reduced growth
Control: Remove manually with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil spray; repeat weekly until eliminated
Spider mites
Signs: Silvery stippling on leaflets; fine webbing; worsens in low indoor humidity
Control: Mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days
Keep dyer's cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dyer's Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my dyer's cycad?
Dyer's Cycad (Encephalartos dyerianus) is susceptible to cycad aulacaspis scale, the most devastating pest of cultivated cycads worldwide. Mealybugs and soft scale also appear on leaf bases and stems. Indoors, spider mites may damage fronds in dry air. As a critically endangered species, pest control is essential to preserve each plant.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on dyer's cycad?
White encrustation on all above- and below-ground parts; rapid frond yellowing and collapse; can kill the plant Repeated horticultural oil applications every 10–14 days; imidacloprid soil drench; inspect roots when repotting and treat if infested
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dyer's cycad?
Cottony white clusters at leaf axils and crown; honeydew and sooty mold; reduced growth Remove manually with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil spray; repeat weekly until eliminated
How do I get rid of spider mites on dyer's cycad?
Silvery stippling on leaflets; fine webbing; worsens in low indoor humidity Mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days