What's eating my lacandon zamia?

Lacandon Zamia (Zamia lacandona), a tropical Central American cycad, is most commonly damaged by scale insects in cultivation. Mealybugs and fungus gnats are secondary problems, the latter attacking roots when soil stays too wet. Keep this rare species in well-draining mix and inspect regularly given how few specimens exist in collections.

Hard bumps on stems and frond rachises; leaves lose color and the plant declines slowly. Physically remove scales, then apply horticultural oil or neem oil every 10 days; ensure good air circulation to prevent reinfestation.

White woolly patches at stem bases and leaf joints; sticky honeydew may develop sooty mold. Dab with isopropyl alcohol and follow with weekly insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays for 3–4 weeks.

Larvae feed on fine roots in wet soil, causing wilting and slow growth in young plants. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or use yellow sticky traps for adults.