What's eating my micholitz's cycad?

Micholitz's Cycad (Cycas micholitzii), a rare Vietnamese cycad, is susceptible to cycad scale and mealybugs like all Cycas species. As a slow-growing collector's plant typically held in specialist collections or containers, spider mites are also a risk under dry indoor conditions. Early detection at each flush is critical — scale infestations can permanently disfigure slow-growing fronds.

White armored scale encrusting leaflet undersides, stems, and crown; yellowing fronds and gradual plant decline Apply horticultural oil to all surfaces including stem; repeat every 3 weeks; introduce Coccobius wasps for biological control

Fluffy white colonies in crown crevices and at frond bases; honeydew deposits encouraging sooty mold growth Dab with isopropyl alcohol; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; use systemic drench for persistent crown infestations

Pale stippling on leaflet upper surfaces; fine webbing in dry conditions; leaflets bronze and drop prematurely Increase humidity around the plant; mist leaflets; apply neem oil or a miticide; reduce temperature stress