Pest identification
What's eating my zamia roezlii?
Cycad aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui)
Signs: White powdery crusts on undersides of pinnae and on the caudex; yellowing and browning of fronds as sap is depleted
Control: Repeated horticultural oil sprays (weekly for a month); systemic dinotefuran soil drench for heavy infestations; isolate new plants before introducing to a collection
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at leaf bases and between pinnae; weakened new growth and sticky honeydew residue
Control: Remove manually with alcohol-soaked swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of leaflets; stippled or bronzed leaf surface, worst in dry, warm conditions
Control: Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray insecticidal soap or a miticide, covering leaf undersides thoroughly
Keep zamia roezlii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Zamia Roezlii pests — FAQ
What is eating my zamia roezlii?
Zamia roezlii, a large Colombian cycad grown as a tropical specimen, shares the pest profile of the Zamia genus: scale insects and mealybugs are the most common threats, while spider mites can strike container-grown plants in dry indoor conditions. Overall infestations are typically less severe than on Cycas species.
How do I get rid of cycad aulacaspis scale (aulacaspis yasumatsui) on zamia roezlii?
White powdery crusts on undersides of pinnae and on the caudex; yellowing and browning of fronds as sap is depleted Repeated horticultural oil sprays (weekly for a month); systemic dinotefuran soil drench for heavy infestations; isolate new plants before introducing to a collection
How do I get rid of mealybugs on zamia roezlii?
Cottony white clusters at leaf bases and between pinnae; weakened new growth and sticky honeydew residue Remove manually with alcohol-soaked swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on zamia roezlii?
Fine webbing on undersides of leaflets; stippled or bronzed leaf surface, worst in dry, warm conditions Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray insecticidal soap or a miticide, covering leaf undersides thoroughly