What's eating my grigua cycad?

Grigua Cycad (Encephalartos cycadifolius), a rare South African mountain cycad, is most threatened by cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) when kept in collections. Mealybugs and spider mites are secondary pests, particularly in dry indoor or greenhouse conditions. Its slow growth means recovery from a serious infestation is measured in years, so prevention is paramount.

White armored scale smothers fronds, stem, and root surfaces; causes chlorosis, frond dieback, and plant death in severe cases. Treat all plant surfaces including roots with horticultural oil every 10–14 days; use systemic imidacloprid soil drench alongside contact treatments for entrenched infestations.

White waxy colonies in crown and leaf axils; weakens the plant and leaves residue that promotes mold. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs and follow with weekly neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays until absent.

Fine webbing and pale stippling on leaflets in low-humidity environments; new fronds are especially susceptible. Raise humidity, rinse foliage under water, and apply neem oil or a miticide spray every 5–7 days until clear.