Pest identification
What's eating my zaragoza ceratozamia?
Armored scale (Diaspididae)
Signs: Flat shells on stem and leaflet undersides; chlorotic, declining fronds and sticky honeydew
Control: Remove manually with alcohol brush; spray horticultural oil; apply systemic drench if widespread
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.)
Signs: Fluffy white wax in the crown and leaf axils; sooty mold and weakened new fronds
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 10 days
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaflets when indoor humidity is low
Control: Mist foliage and raise humidity; apply neem oil or miticide weekly for 3–4 cycles
Keep zaragoza ceratozamia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Zaragoza Ceratozamia pests — FAQ
What is eating my zaragoza ceratozamia?
Zaragoza Ceratozamia is a dwarf Mexican cycad prized in indoor and greenhouse collections. Like all Ceratozamia, it is most threatened by scale insects that encrust the stem and fronds. Mealybugs settle in the crown, and spider mites attack in dry air. Its compact size makes thorough inspection of every frond practicable.
How do I get rid of armored scale (diaspididae) on zaragoza ceratozamia?
Flat shells on stem and leaflet undersides; chlorotic, declining fronds and sticky honeydew Remove manually with alcohol brush; spray horticultural oil; apply systemic drench if widespread
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus spp.) on zaragoza ceratozamia?
Fluffy white wax in the crown and leaf axils; sooty mold and weakened new fronds Dab with isopropyl alcohol; follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 10 days
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on zaragoza ceratozamia?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaflets when indoor humidity is low Mist foliage and raise humidity; apply neem oil or miticide weekly for 3–4 cycles