Cycad Scale on Potted Plants: Aggressive Management Needed

Two cycads in terracotta pots (2 years, morning sun) have brown leaf spots, sticky white marks, and tiny white "woodlice" at night—cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui), a serious pest.

Treatment

1. Pressure wash to dislodge scale.
2. Oil spray (horticultural or neem) to smother survivors.
3. Systemic: Dinotefuran (Safari) soil drench per label.
4. Atomic Grow mentioned by some; verify via independent research.

Cycad Care

• Well-drained mix (cactus/succulent).
• Bright light, not full sun.
• Water when top inch dry.
• Fertilize lightly in growing season.

Persistence

Scale on cycads is notoriously difficult. Quarantine new plants. Monitor weekly.