Pest identification
What's eating my encephalartos transvenosus?
Cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: White powdery encrustations on undersides of leaflets and along stems; rapid yellowing and frond death
Control: Apply imidacloprid as a systemic soil drench; spray horticultural oil on all frond surfaces; remove heavily infested fronds; repeat treatment every 4–6 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy clusters in the crown, at petiole bases and between leaflets; honeydew attracts ants and sooty mold
Control: Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray all plant surfaces with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly
Scale insects (other armored scale species)
Signs: Tan or brown shell-like bumps on leaflets or stems; yellowing and reduced vigor
Control: Scrape off or apply horticultural oil at the crawler stage; monitor monthly and retreat as needed
Keep encephalartos transvenosus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Encephalartos transvenosus pests — FAQ
What is eating my encephalartos transvenosus?
Encephalartos transvenosus, the Modjadji cycad of South Africa, faces the same primary threat as other Encephalartos: cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) can rapidly encrust fronds and kill plants. Mealybugs colonize the crown and leaf bases. Vigilant inspection and prompt systemic insecticide treatment are essential, especially on plants grown in warm humid conditions.
How do I get rid of cycad scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on encephalartos transvenosus?
White powdery encrustations on undersides of leaflets and along stems; rapid yellowing and frond death Apply imidacloprid as a systemic soil drench; spray horticultural oil on all frond surfaces; remove heavily infested fronds; repeat treatment every 4–6 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on encephalartos transvenosus?
White waxy clusters in the crown, at petiole bases and between leaflets; honeydew attracts ants and sooty mold Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray all plant surfaces with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects (other armored scale species) on encephalartos transvenosus?
Tan or brown shell-like bumps on leaflets or stems; yellowing and reduced vigor Scrape off or apply horticultural oil at the crawler stage; monitor monthly and retreat as needed