Pest identification
What's eating my wood's cycad?
Cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: White encrustation on frond undersides, caudex, and roots; rapid frond death; existential risk given the plant's rarity
Control: Preventive horticultural oil sprays on all surfaces every 4–6 weeks; systemic imidacloprid soil drench; strict quarantine from other cycads
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white colonies at the crown and leaf bases; honeydew, sooty mold, and weakened new growth
Control: Isopropyl alcohol spot treatment; neem oil spray weekly; do not allow spread to nearby plants
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and webbing on leaflets in dry, warm conditions
Control: Increase ambient humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray at 5–7 day intervals
Keep wood's cycad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Wood's Cycad pests — FAQ
What is eating my wood's cycad?
Wood's Cycad (Encephalartos woodii), an extremely rare cycad kept only in botanical collections and specialist collections, faces the same pest profile as other Encephalartos: cycad scale is the gravest threat. Mealybugs and spider mites also occur. Given its rarity, every specimen is irreplaceable — pest control must be preventive and meticulous.
How do I get rid of cycad scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on wood's cycad?
White encrustation on frond undersides, caudex, and roots; rapid frond death; existential risk given the plant's rarity Preventive horticultural oil sprays on all surfaces every 4–6 weeks; systemic imidacloprid soil drench; strict quarantine from other cycads
How do I get rid of mealybugs on wood's cycad?
Cottony white colonies at the crown and leaf bases; honeydew, sooty mold, and weakened new growth Isopropyl alcohol spot treatment; neem oil spray weekly; do not allow spread to nearby plants
How do I get rid of spider mites on wood's cycad?
Pale stippling and webbing on leaflets in dry, warm conditions Increase ambient humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray at 5–7 day intervals