Pest identification
What's eating my old world sago cycad?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on fronds and stems; yellowing, sticky honeydew residue underneath leaves
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and crown; stunted, distorted new fronds
Control: Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil as a follow-up drench
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of leaflets; stippled, bronzed foliage in dry indoor conditions
Control: Increase humidity, wash foliage with water, then apply insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear
Keep old world sago cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Old World Sago Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my old world sago cycad?
The Old World Sago Cycad (Dioon edule) kept indoors is most troubled by scale insects, which coat fronds and stems with waxy shells. Mealybugs and spider mites also attack. Inspect new growth closely, as pests often hide in the leaf bases and crown of this slow-growing cycad.
How do I get rid of scale insects on old world sago cycad?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on fronds and stems; yellowing, sticky honeydew residue underneath leaves Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on old world sago cycad?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and crown; stunted, distorted new fronds Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil as a follow-up drench
How do I get rid of spider mites on old world sago cycad?
Fine webbing on undersides of leaflets; stippled, bronzed foliage in dry indoor conditions Increase humidity, wash foliage with water, then apply insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear