What's eating my narrow-leaf zamia?

Narrow-leaf Zamia (Zamia angustifolia) is primarily threatened indoors by scale insects and mealybugs feeding on stems and leaf bases. Spider mites can attack in dry conditions. Outdoors, cycad-specialist aulacaspis scale is the most destructive pest, forming white encrustations that can kill fronds and weaken the plant significantly over time.

White chalky encrustations coating stems, leaf undersides, and roots; severe infestations cause yellowing fronds and plant death Repeated horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applications 10–14 days apart; systemic imidacloprid soil drench for heavy infestations; remove and destroy heavily infested fronds

White cottony masses at leaf bases and crown; sticky honeydew and sooty mold; stunted new growth Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until clear

Fine webbing on leaflets; stippled, bronzed or yellowing foliage; worst in low humidity indoors Increase humidity; spray forcefully with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or miticide spray, repeating every 5–7 days