What's eating my thunberg's cycad?

Thunberg's Cycad (Encephalartos longifolius), a protected South African cycad, is most seriously threatened by cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) in cultivation. Mealybugs and occasional caterpillar damage also occur. This slow-growing species is particularly vulnerable because infestations develop faster than the plant can recover, making prevention and early treatment essential.

Dense white armored crust over fronds, caudex, and roots; rapid yellowing and frond death — entire plants can be lost. Apply horticultural oil to every surface repeatedly every 10–14 days; for serious infestations use a systemic imidacloprid soil drench alongside contact sprays.

White waxy tufts at leaf bases and inside the crown; honeydew encourages black sooty mold. Dab with alcohol, then spray insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until no live bugs remain for two consecutive checks.

Leaflet margins chewed or entire leaflets stripped from the rachis on newly emerging fronds. Hand-pick larvae; apply Bt spray on young, actively feeding caterpillars outdoors.