Pest identification
What's eating my dyer's macrozamia?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: White encrustation on leaflets and stem; chlorotic fronds and progressive dieback
Control: Repeated horticultural oil applications; remove worst fronds; consider systemic insecticide for advanced infestations
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony deposits at leaf bases and axils; honeydew accumulation and sooty mold
Control: Neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate container plants; spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol
Kangaroos
Signs: Fronds browsed or plant pushed over; juvenile plants especially vulnerable
Control: Install tree guards or wire cages; fencing of garden perimeter
Keep dyer's macrozamia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dyer's Macrozamia pests — FAQ
What is eating my dyer's macrozamia?
Dyer's Macrozamia (Macrozamia dyeri) is a rare West Australian cycad threatened in cultivation chiefly by cycad scale insects and mealybugs. Outdoor garden plants may attract leaf-chewing caterpillars at flush time. As with related Macrozamia species, native browsers such as kangaroos can damage fronds in unfenced gardens or restoration plantings.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on dyer's macrozamia?
White encrustation on leaflets and stem; chlorotic fronds and progressive dieback Repeated horticultural oil applications; remove worst fronds; consider systemic insecticide for advanced infestations
How do I get rid of mealybugs on dyer's macrozamia?
Cottony deposits at leaf bases and axils; honeydew accumulation and sooty mold Neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate container plants; spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol
How do I get rid of kangaroos on dyer's macrozamia?
Fronds browsed or plant pushed over; juvenile plants especially vulnerable Install tree guards or wire cages; fencing of garden perimeter