Pest identification
What's eating my sandstone cycad?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: Dense white scale coating on fronds, petioles and trunk; rapid yellowing and die-back
Control: Monthly horticultural oil sprays; soil drench with systemic neonicotinoid if roots are affected; remove and bin infested material
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy colonies in the crown and leaf axils; stunted growth, honeydew and sooty mold
Control: Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; wipe accessible colonies with isopropyl-soaked cloth
Caterpillars (cycad blue butterfly)
Signs: Emerging fronds skeletonized or completely consumed before hardening
Control: Bt spray at flush; hand-pick if manageable; protect new growth with fine mesh netting
Keep sandstone cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sandstone Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my sandstone cycad?
Sandstone Cycad (Macrozamia diplomera) from Queensland's sandstone ranges faces the usual cycad pest suite in cultivation: cycad scale insects are the most damaging, followed by mealybugs and caterpillars on emerging fronds. Outdoor plants in warm-climate gardens may also attract possums and wallabies that browse tender new fronds.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on sandstone cycad?
Dense white scale coating on fronds, petioles and trunk; rapid yellowing and die-back Monthly horticultural oil sprays; soil drench with systemic neonicotinoid if roots are affected; remove and bin infested material
How do I get rid of mealybugs on sandstone cycad?
White fluffy colonies in the crown and leaf axils; stunted growth, honeydew and sooty mold Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; wipe accessible colonies with isopropyl-soaked cloth
How do I get rid of caterpillars (cycad blue butterfly) on sandstone cycad?
Emerging fronds skeletonized or completely consumed before hardening Bt spray at flush; hand-pick if manageable; protect new growth with fine mesh netting