Pest identification
What's eating my eastern cape cycad?
Cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: Masses of white armored scale colonize fronds, the caudex, and roots; causes rapid yellowing, frond collapse, and potential plant death.
Control: Spray all surfaces thoroughly with horticultural oil every 10–14 days; supplement with a systemic imidacloprid drench to protect roots and new growth.
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white clusters at leaf bases and in the crown; sustained feeding weakens this already slow-growing plant.
Control: Remove manually with alcohol swabs; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks.
Scale insects (soft scale)
Signs: Soft, waxy bumps on frond rachises and stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mold indicate active infestations.
Control: Scrape off with a brush, treat with horticultural oil spray, and check monthly to catch any regrowth early.
Keep eastern cape cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Eastern Cape Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my eastern cape cycad?
Eastern Cape Cycad (Encephalartos arenarius), a critically endangered South African species, is most at risk from cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) in cultivation. Mealybugs are a secondary concern. Given this cycad's extreme rarity and slow growth rate, even a moderate infestation can cause irreversible damage — vigilance and rapid treatment are non-negotiable.
How do I get rid of cycad scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on eastern cape cycad?
Masses of white armored scale colonize fronds, the caudex, and roots; causes rapid yellowing, frond collapse, and potential plant death. Spray all surfaces thoroughly with horticultural oil every 10–14 days; supplement with a systemic imidacloprid drench to protect roots and new growth.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on eastern cape cycad?
Fluffy white clusters at leaf bases and in the crown; sustained feeding weakens this already slow-growing plant. Remove manually with alcohol swabs; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks.
How do I get rid of scale insects (soft scale) on eastern cape cycad?
Soft, waxy bumps on frond rachises and stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mold indicate active infestations. Scrape off with a brush, treat with horticultural oil spray, and check monthly to catch any regrowth early.