Pest identification
What's eating my purpus's dioon?
Armored scale (Diaspididae)
Signs: Shell-like bumps on stems and frond midribs; frond yellowing and premature drop; sticky honeydew
Control: Scrub with alcohol and soft brush; apply horticultural oil thoroughly; systemic drench for persistent infestations
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.)
Signs: Cottony white clusters in crown and along rachis; sticky residue and sooty mold
Control: Swab with rubbing alcohol; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate from other plants
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine stippling and yellowing of leaflets; webbing visible in low-humidity conditions
Control: Increase ambient humidity; rinse with water; apply neem oil or miticide weekly for 3–4 weeks
Keep purpus's dioon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Purpus's Dioon pests — FAQ
What is eating my purpus's dioon?
Purpus's Dioon is a slow-growing Mexican cycad suited to indoor or sheltered outdoor growing. Like most cycads, it is most threatened by scale insects that colonize the caudex and fronds. Mealybugs and spider mites also occur indoors. Prompt isolation and treatment protect this long-lived collector's plant.
How do I get rid of armored scale (diaspididae) on purpus's dioon?
Shell-like bumps on stems and frond midribs; frond yellowing and premature drop; sticky honeydew Scrub with alcohol and soft brush; apply horticultural oil thoroughly; systemic drench for persistent infestations
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus spp.) on purpus's dioon?
Cottony white clusters in crown and along rachis; sticky residue and sooty mold Swab with rubbing alcohol; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate from other plants
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on purpus's dioon?
Fine stippling and yellowing of leaflets; webbing visible in low-humidity conditions Increase ambient humidity; rinse with water; apply neem oil or miticide weekly for 3–4 weeks