Pest identification
What's eating my wide-leaf ceratozamia?
Armored scale (Diaspididae)
Signs: Brown or gray encrusting shells on caudex and leaf undersides; frond chlorosis and drop; sticky honeydew
Control: Manual removal with alcohol and brush; thorough horticultural oil application; systemic soil drench as needed
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.)
Signs: White waxy masses along the broad midrib, in axils, and at the crown; sooty mold on honeydew
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 7–10 days
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Stippling and webbing across the wide leaflet surfaces; becomes severe in low-humidity indoor air
Control: Boost humidity; rinse all leaf surfaces; apply neem oil or miticide; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
Keep wide-leaf ceratozamia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Wide-leaf Ceratozamia pests — FAQ
What is eating my wide-leaf ceratozamia?
Wide-leaf Ceratozamia is a broad-fronded Mexican cycad grown in indoor and humid greenhouse settings. Scale insects are the predominant cycad pest, colonizing the caudex and frond undersides. Mealybugs exploit the wide leaflets and crown. Spider mites thrive when humidity drops. Its large leaf surface area means pest populations can build quickly — check undersides often.
How do I get rid of armored scale (diaspididae) on wide-leaf ceratozamia?
Brown or gray encrusting shells on caudex and leaf undersides; frond chlorosis and drop; sticky honeydew Manual removal with alcohol and brush; thorough horticultural oil application; systemic soil drench as needed
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus spp.) on wide-leaf ceratozamia?
White waxy masses along the broad midrib, in axils, and at the crown; sooty mold on honeydew Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on wide-leaf ceratozamia?
Stippling and webbing across the wide leaflet surfaces; becomes severe in low-humidity indoor air Boost humidity; rinse all leaf surfaces; apply neem oil or miticide; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks