Pest identification
What's eating my merola's dioon?
Scale insects (including cycad aulacaspis scale)
Signs: White or brown encrustations on fronds, petioles, and trunk; yellowing leaves and general decline; can be fatal
Control: Horticultural oil spray every 10–14 days; imidacloprid systemic drench for heavy infestations; remove infested fronds
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses at leaf bases and crown; sticky honeydew attracting sooty mold
Control: Remove with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaflets; bronzed foliage in dry or heated indoor environments
Control: Increase humidity; rinse foliage; spray neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days for several rounds
Keep merola's dioon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Merola's Dioon pests — FAQ
What is eating my merola's dioon?
Merola's Dioon (Dioon merolae) is a Mexican highland cycad that in cultivation is most commonly attacked by scale insects and mealybugs on its stems and frond bases. Cycad aulacaspis scale poses a serious threat where it is present. Spider mites cause leaflet bronzing in dry conditions. Consistent inspection is vital for this slow-growing, long-lived plant.
How do I get rid of scale insects (including cycad aulacaspis scale) on merola's dioon?
White or brown encrustations on fronds, petioles, and trunk; yellowing leaves and general decline; can be fatal Horticultural oil spray every 10–14 days; imidacloprid systemic drench for heavy infestations; remove infested fronds
How do I get rid of mealybugs on merola's dioon?
Cottony white masses at leaf bases and crown; sticky honeydew attracting sooty mold Remove with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on merola's dioon?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaflets; bronzed foliage in dry or heated indoor environments Increase humidity; rinse foliage; spray neem oil or miticide every 5–7 days for several rounds