Pest identification
What's eating my norstog's ceratozamia?
Armored scale (Diaspididae)
Signs: Encrusting brown or gray shells on stems and leaf bases; slow frond decline and honeydew deposits
Control: Manual removal with alcohol brush; horticultural oil spray; systemic drench for heavy infestations
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.)
Signs: Cottony white clusters deep in the leaf crown and axils; sooty mold and stunted new growth
Control: Dab with rubbing alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate the plant and repeat treatment
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale speckling and subtle webbing on leaflet surfaces in dry indoor air
Control: Boost humidity; shower foliage; apply neem oil or miticide; repeat weekly for 3–4 treatment cycles
Keep norstog's ceratozamia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Norstog's Ceratozamia pests — FAQ
What is eating my norstog's ceratozamia?
Norstog's Ceratozamia is a rare shade-loving cycad from Mexico, grown as an indoor or greenhouse specimen. Scale insects are the primary cycad pest. Mealybugs exploit the dense crown, and spider mites strike in low-humidity conditions. Fungus gnats can damage roots in perpetually moist potting mix. Inspect hidden crown areas carefully.
How do I get rid of armored scale (diaspididae) on norstog's ceratozamia?
Encrusting brown or gray shells on stems and leaf bases; slow frond decline and honeydew deposits Manual removal with alcohol brush; horticultural oil spray; systemic drench for heavy infestations
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus spp.) on norstog's ceratozamia?
Cottony white clusters deep in the leaf crown and axils; sooty mold and stunted new growth Dab with rubbing alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate the plant and repeat treatment
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on norstog's ceratozamia?
Fine pale speckling and subtle webbing on leaflet surfaces in dry indoor air Boost humidity; shower foliage; apply neem oil or miticide; repeat weekly for 3–4 treatment cycles