Pests and diseases of Cycas revoluta

The cica is vulnerable to mealybugs

Image - Flickr / Alejandro Bayer Tamayo

All the Cycas revoluta They are very easy to grow plants. They grow slowly but surely. For this reason, she is not prone to having problems throughout her life. However, that doesn't mean you can't have them. In fact, there are although it has few enemies, when one of them becomes a plague, it is necessary to take measures in order to try to get him to recover as soon as possible.

Let's see the most frequent problems they have in cultivation, and their treatment.

Problems and diseases that the Cycas revoluta

Burnt leaves

It happens often if we have brought it from a nursery and we have placed it in full sun. In any case, these spots will appear overnight, and they will be brown in color. If protective measures are not taken, these spots will increase in size, spreading throughout the affected leaf.

The burned leaves will no longer be green, but if we place it in a place where it receives filtered light, and gradually we place it where it receives more light, over time it will produce more resistant leaves to the sun. We must not neglect irrigation; It will be convenient to water it when the substrate is dry or almost dry.

It is important to be patient, and never expose it to the star king directly if it has not acclimatized before. Nor should we start to get used to it in summer, since it is when the sun's rays reach us more directly, and therefore the more damage they can do to our scar.

Leaves with burnt tips

It is common when kept indoors. It is due to the lack of ventilation, or on the contrary to a constant and / or frequent draft of air, caused by the close passage of people, the air conditioner, and / or fan. It is not a plant that should be kept indoors, since it is also a plant that, on the one hand, needs to feel the passing of the seasons and, on the other, withstands frost.

To avoid having its ends burned, the ideal is to have it outside the home, in an area where people can pass near it but without touching it.

Leaves with yellow spots (like rounded spots)

It is usually due to cold, or sudden changes in temperature. Holds frost without problems, up to four degrees below zero; however, in young specimens or those that have been with us for a short time, it is common for yellow dots to appear on their leaves due to the cold. In this case, nothing needs to be done, except to protect it, for example with anti-frost fabric if there are strong frosts in the area.

It can also be due to a lack of potassium, if the spots appear more expensive in summer. With a fertilizer that has a high level of potassium, the problem will be solved in a short time.

Lower (old) leaves yellow

The yellow leaves on the cica can be a sign of plague

Image - Wikimedia / Drow male

It may be because, simply, have reached the end of their life, due to excess water, or also by mealybugs in the root system. To know if it is the first, we have to check that the rest of the leaves are green and the plant looks healthy. In addition, it is important that the substrate has good drainage, to avoid waterlogging. It should not have a plate underneath either.

If the general appearance of the scar worsens, we will remove the plant from the pot, carefully remove all the substrate, and plant it again in a pot with adequate substrate, in a semi-shady place until it grows again.

In the event that it is planted in the garden, we will suspend the watering until the earth dries up completely. In the meantime, we'll treat her. with a fungicide, since when there is excess humidity fungi can appear.

If we suspect that the plant may have mealybugs, use a mealybug insecticide following the manufacturer's recommendations.
If it doesn't improve, we could prune all the leaves. The following year it will sprout again.

Fallen, wobbly leaves

It is a problem due to the lack of light. All plants need light to a greater or lesser degree, so that their leaves grow firm, and in the case of our protagonist, also so that they are leathery ('hard').

To correct this problem, the Cycas revoluta in a sunny place, gradually.

Pests of the Cycas revoluta

Mealybugs

The cottony mealybug is a pest

Image - Wikimedia / Whitney Cranshaw

We have discussed it before, but we are going to talk more about it since mealybugs are a very frequent pest. These can be of several types:

  • Cottony mealybug (Planococcus citri): it has a more or less flattened body, white in color.
  • Corrugated mealybug (Icerya purchasi): its body is white, with a brownish tip. It also resembles cotton.
  • Red louse (Chrysomphalus dictyospermi): they are almost flat mealybugs, with a rounded shape, and brown in color.
  • California red louse (Aonidiella aurantii): similar to the previous one, but red in color.

Symptoms and treatment

The symptoms are the rapid yellowing of the leaves, as well as an increasingly worse general appearance of the plant. Fortunately, they are easy to identify when they affect foliage, since adhere to the underside of leaves and feed on them. To eradicate them, you can remove them with a cloth, water and neutral soap, or with diatomaceous earth (on sale here).

On the contrary, when they affect the roots, it will only be seen that the scar turns yellow. If it is in a pot, you can take it out and see what happens. Carefully remove the soil, and soak its roots with water and a little anticochineal (add the dose indicated on the container to the water, and stir to mix well). If you see any, take them off.

If you have it planted in the garden, as a preventive / curative measure you can treat it with anticochineal, especially during the summer. If you do, you must fill a container with water, and add the indicated dose of phytosanitary product to it. Then water.

Red weevil

The red palm weevil is a very common pest in palm trees, but also in cycads

Image - Wikimedia / Katja Schulz

It is not nearly as common as mealybugs, but it is an insect to watch out for, especially if we have palm trees in the garden. The cica is not a palm tree at all, and it is not the favorite delicacy of the red palm weevil, but… what has been said: it does not hurt to keep an eye on it to keep it under control.

The red weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a weevil (like a beetle, but with an elongated and thinner body) that comes from tropical Asia. The adult specimen does not hurt, beyond leaving its eggs in the center of the plant. But when the larvae emerge, they feed on the inside of the stem (false trunk) of their victim.

Symptoms and treatment

The main symptom that you will see in your cica will be a crown of leaves that has lost its natural 'order'. Its leaves may fall, as the larvae were eating the petiole that holds them attached to the stem. Fibers could come out of this stem, through the holes made also by the plague.

To avoid problems, It has to be treated with Chlorpyrifos and Imidacloprid, one month one and the next the other month. They are not to be mixed. Of course, you have to bear in mind that for the use of these products in Spain it is mandatory to have a phytosanitary product handler card.

In case you don't have that card, or that you do not want to use chemicals, since the cica is a relatively small plant, there are things you can do:

  • In summer, when you water, direct the water jet to the center of the plant for a moment. With this you will get the larvae to die by drowning.
  • Once a month, after watering, pour it over diatomaceous earth. In this way, you will also ensure that if you have mealybugs, you will stop having them.

The most common pests of the cica are mealybugs

We hope we have been of help to you.


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  1.   roquelda said

    It is an excellent page. I loved it {feldades.

  2.   graziella basso said

    Hi there! I have a friend who has a beautiful 60-year-old Cyca who is in a garden, but suddenly her leaves began to turn brown, not all of them. We are experiencing a summer with very strong sun, abundant rains. The garden has good drainage. We took the children he had to give him more "air", can you please advise me, love that plant! Thank you! very good this page!

  3.   Monica Sanchez said

    roquelda: thank you very much for your comment 🙂
    graziella basso: a 60 year old Cyca! It must be a very beautiful specimen.
    To prevent it from getting worse, you could make a kind of "umbrella" for it. Let me explain: around the plant four posts are placed (or canes, but if it is very windy in that area it is better that they be made of metal), and they are inserted into the earth. They have to be the same height as the plant, so that once they are well placed, you can put a plastic and hook it with wire or ropes to the posts. This will ensure that the rainwater does not fall directly on you, and you will not feel so much moisture.

    Leaves that are turning brown will unfortunately not turn green again. But surely by spring it will take leaves again.

    Thank you very much for following us. All the best!

  4.   Raul said

    I have a Sicilian palm. It was filled with white plague. Louse. Very resistant and tenacious. I have used Talstar. And I can't eradicate it. The mother is 25 years old and measures more than two meters and now she is bending over because the louse penetrated her
    White. And they look like roots on the inside full of plague.
    What I can do!!?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Raul.
      If the pest is very advanced, treat your Cyca with an insecticide that contains Chlorpyrifos, following the recommendations indicated on the package.
      A greeting.

  5.   delilah orange lira said

    hi i'm lila
    I have a cyca that is 25 years old and has a white plague, they tell me it is louse. I already gnawed it with an insecticide for the louse but it was not removed and I also pruned it all and it got very nice new leaves but it was again filled with white plague that he recommends me to do to save it! Thank you

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Delilah.
      Treat them with an insecticide whose active ingredient is Dimethoate, following the recommendations indicated on the package. Apply it well to the entire plant: leaves (on both sides), trunk, all over. If you see that it does not improve, repeat after 15 days.
      Courage! You'll see how it improves 🙂.

    2.    Ze Carlos Flores Muniz said

      hello, until less than a year ago I had that same plague and previous days I fumigated my cyca plant with a natural product, water and a hand shampoo today my plant is free of that cochineal, they like my email is nosfe1971_@hotmail.com and I show you photos and the method.

  6.   Natalia said

    My cyca from one moment to another began to dry up ... I thought it could have been due to a lot of water ... therefore I was mowing it controlling the earth ... but now it is even drier ... yellow leaves with almost no green I have photos in case I can send them ... for please help

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Natalia.
      How often do you water it? And one more question, do you have it in a pot or on the ground? When the leaves of a Cyca turn yellow it is due to one of these causes:

      -It has been cold: this happens especially when we buy one in a nursery where they had it very sheltered.
      -That you are thirsty: whether it is in a pot or in the ground, it is convenient to water it once a week in winter, and 2 weekly the rest of the year.
      -That it lacks iron: it is a very resistant and adaptable plant, but if it is young or if it has recently been on the ground, it can have iron chlorosis. It is solved by watering with water to which iron sulfate has previously been added.
      -That it has a cochineal: I still remember one of my Cycas as if it were yesterday. It was getting really bad, but apparently it was well cared for ... until I took it out of the pot and saw a bunch of cottony bugs. I've never seen anything like it. The substrate was changed, the roots were cleaned well with an insecticide (which contained Chlorpyrifos) and, although it lost all the leaves, it recovered.

      My advice is to give him an insecticide treatment. Spray the whole plant, and to the irrigation water add a few drops of the product as well and give it a generous watering. The yellow leaves can be cut, as they cannot be recovered. But in a matter of a month, maximum two, it should get new.

      Greetings, and good luck!

  7.   Luis Cruz said

    I have a cyca and they take away the hours I have used chemicals and natural things and white patches are always born again and all the plama until the palms dry you can help me eradicate that plague. Thank you beforehand

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Luis.
      It is likely a fungus. Treat it with a liquid fungicide, preferably a chemical one. Spray the entire plant well, and you can even add a few drops to the irrigation water to treat the roots as well.
      Luck!

      1.    Alexander said

        Thanks and i will try

  8.   Carlos Zurita said

    Greetings to all, I have read your comments and opinions from which I have learned a lot since I just bought 1 cyca revoluta
    from a nursery and brings yellow leaves so I'll take care of them according to your recommendations. I hope one day also to be able to help you, greetings to all!

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi carlos.
      Surely yes. In the end everything is a matter of time 🙂
      A greeting.

  9.   German said

    Good afternoon, this forum has been very constructive. I recently bought a cyca from a lady who no longer wanted it. After reading this note and the comments on it, I decided to go out and check the plant. I realized that its trunk has a kind of white "nits", many! They recommended me clean it with a cloth full of water and detergent, to later spray it with raid house and garden. What are those white bugs? And what recommendations can you give me. Greetings

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello German.
      Household detergent and insecticides can be very harmful to your plant. I recommend that you use an insecticide that contains Chlorpyrifos or Dimethoate to kill those white critters, which are probably cottony bugs.
      a greeting

    2.    Carlos Garcia Ramirez placeholder image said

      Hello, I have a cyca and it has dried up little by little, I had already had one and in the same place and it died, I think due to excess water, but I suspect that the house's desalination system was drained and that water salted the earth and Now cyca is dying, from what I have read, I must remove it immediately since its leaves are drying and I thought it was due to lack of water since here in Mexicali it is very hot, but now I see that I am drowning it. Am I correct in taking it out and changing the earth ahun and that I have applied a product to remove the saltpeter from the earth as a soil improver? Should I prune the cyca and remove the dry branches? I have noticed that a ball came out in the center as a sprout and I have seen other girls who only get more leaves ... I imagine it is because of the sex of the cyca, but what applies in this case?

      My email is carloshgr@hotmail.com I hope you can guide me

      regards

      1.    Monica Sanchez said

        Hi carlos.
        My advice is that you prune the dry leaves.
        To prevent the situation from getting worse, it is advisable to remove it and plant it in another area of ​​the garden or in a pot. To do this, make four ditches around it, about 40cm deep, and with a strip (it's a kind of shovel, but straight) or something similar, pry it out.
        The ball you say is new leaves. They should not be removed.
        A greeting.

        1.    Carlos Garcia Ramirez placeholder image said

          I sent him some photos to see what he recommends me to do with my cyca.

          regards

          1.    Monica Sanchez said

            Hi carlos.
            To this mail userdyet@gmail.com? I ask him why nothing has come to me: yes
            A greeting.


  10.   Paulina Acevedo said

    Hello, I have around 50 Cycas and my problem is that they all have the white powder known as louse, as I see in the comments, we have washed it with carcher and we shaved it and washed it with soap but it turns out beautiful again and it comes out with plague this process. We have done with about 10 Cycas. I do not know if this plague is passed by the wind but they all have I have to shave all of them and what poison did he apply? Because apparently the problem comes from the center, will I have to inject poison into the center of Palma to eradicate it?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Paulina.
      Apply an insecticide containing Fenoxicarb, spraying all parts of the plants. It is not necessary to prune them.
      A greeting.

    2.    Ze Carlos Flores Muniz said

      Hi, I think I have the solution to your problem, my email is nosfe1971_@hotmail.com and there I send you photos and a natural ingredient mixed with shampoo and water

  11.   Pearl said

    They gave me a scar that is about 1 meter high, but for about two months it has something on the top of its leaves like soot and on the bottom many little brown capsules .. all the leaves are like this .. I can put it?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Pearl.
      Apply insecticide containing Fenoxicarb or Dimethoate. Spray both sides of the leaves and the trunk well. Repeat if necessary after 10 days.
      Greetings, and you'll see how soon it improves 🙂.

  12.   Monica said

    I have two cycas about 8 years old, they had a plague of white lice, I treated them and they were removed but now the new leaves that have come out, are smaller and like chinitas, is it also a plague? That I have to do

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Monica.
      It is likely that they are like this as a result of the plague that the plant had.
      For prevention, I recommend you do a new treatment with insecticide, and start to fertilize it during the spring and summer months with a liquid fertilizer, such as guano or, with a universal one for plants.
      Over time it will take larger and larger leaves.
      Greetings 🙂.

  13.   karla said

    I have several cycads, but a small one has its roots at the tips, it makes a ball like brains, it is very healthy and green, but when I cleaned it, I saw that there was a ball in the shape of a brain and when I pulled it out, I saw that it was the root of the plant. , check the other cicas and they are not the same, why does this happen?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Karla.
      They are likely to be of a different age. Even so, over time they all have a "bud" which is where both the leaves and the roots come from. This bud must always be exposed to the sun, since if it is buried it will rot.
      a greeting

  14.   katy gomez said

    Hello, I have a cyca with several children and it is filled with a white thing down to the roots and the children, they look like little animals rather as if they were little cones and I no longer know what to do with them; I washed it with soap and cut all the leaves and it does not come off, I do not know what to do, I am afraid that it will die

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Katy.
      It is likely a cottony mealybug. You can eliminate it with an insecticide that contains Chlorpyrifos. Dilute the amount indicated in water, and then spray the entire plant well and water it.
      If necessary, repeat the treatment after 10 days.
      a greeting

  15.   Oliver Manuel said

    I have a cyca that I just bought and lifting the leaves I saw how some black balls stuck together, I could say that it is thanks and know if there is cochineal in the Canary Islands that you are talking about. Thank you so much

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Oliver.
      They could be mealybugs, known as San Jose louse (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus), but you would need to see a photo to confirm. You can upload it if you want to a free image hosting page, like tinypic or imageshack, and put the link here.
      Mealybugs inhabit all places with a temperate and warm climate, but they are easily treated with any insecticide that acts by contact and ingestion that contains Chlorpyrifos 48%.
      A greeting.

  16.   Oliver Manuel said

    Here is the link I hope you can help me thank you very much 🙁 http://imageshack.com/a/img921/6108/KktDwT.jpg

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello again, Oliver.
      Well, diagnosis confirmed 🙂: they are mealybugs.
      You can remove them by hand, but I recommend that you also treat your plant with Chlorpyrifos 48%.
      A greeting.

  17.   Oliver Manuel said

    Thank you very much greetings

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Thanks to you, greetings 🙂

  18.   andres martinez said

    I have several cycas and on the leaves there are a number of little yellow dots like pin heads, the cycas are in pots and as in the population that I have them there are days of frost, in the winter I put them under a porch and closed by a plastic. A month ago we removed the plastic and they were perfect and yesterday I detected the problem that I can do. If you need I can send you some photos. All the best

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Andres.
      Sometimes it happens, that the plants during the winter look perfect, but when you remove the protection they have a bit of a bad time. There are plants that, no matter how resistant they are, as is the case with Cycas, have a tendency to have those little yellow dots for some time after the change.
      My advice is that you start to fertilize them with an organic fertilizer that has, not only the essential macronutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium), but also that is rich in micronutrients, such as the seaweed extract fertilizer.
      The yellow spots will not disappear, but the new leaves will come out healthy. 😉
      A greeting.

  19.   Alex said

    Hello Monica, I hope you can help me, about a year ago some leaves of my cyca turned yellow in parts, later new leaves were born but they were born as sick, here is the photo:
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/j7w623lsgst6he7/IMG_0447.JPG?dl=0
    Thanks in advance

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Alex.
      The photo is not visible 🙁. Anyway, how often do you water it? These plants have to be watered little, 1 or 2 times a week.
      If it gets little sun, it can also have problems because of that, so it is recommended to put it in a place where it is in direct sunlight.
      If you think that your Cyca has another problem, please write to us again and we will find a solution to recover it as soon as possible.
      A greeting.

  20.   Alex said

    Thanks Monica for your answer, our cyca has been with us for more than 7 years, the first 6 years always beautiful ... she has not changed her location, she has enough sun, and the irrigation is controlled, I send the correct league:
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/2lpk91yojwo5s0n/Cyca%20da%C3%B1ada.JPG?dl=0
    No matter how much I have asked, no one has been able to guide me
    Thanks again

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello again Alex 🙂.
      Seeing your Cyca I suspect that it lacks minerals, especially potassium, so I recommend you fertilize it with a fertilizer that is rich in this mineral. The yellow leaves will not recover, but the new leaves will start to grow healthy.
      Greetings and thank you.

  21.   Natalie said

    Hello, I would like you to help me with my cyca, I have them for 5 months, one is very well growing beautiful and the other is with its yellow leaves and with some white cockroaches in the middle and behind its leaves, it catches my attention being I have them both in the same size of pot and I water them at the same time at both, which will be happening to the one with yellow leaves with brown and apart one has sprouted and the one with yellow leaves has never done it, I they love they are beautiful; I hope you can help me

    I don't know how to send the photos

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Natalie.
      The photos have to be uploaded to a free image hosting page, such as Imageshack or Tinypic, and put the link here.
      Anyway, from what you count, it looks like one of your Cycas has a cottony mealybug. I recommend treating it with insecticides containing Chlorpyrifos or Imidacloprid, spraying the entire plant well, even the trunk.
      A greeting.

  22.   Joana Maria said

    Hello!! I have several cycas at home, two of them planted in the ground, each year they take out a large number of new leaves, but for three years, the new leaves of one of them have dried, while the other keeps them in perfect condition. I take care of them exactly the same and I don't know what to do. Thanks.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Joana.
      If they receive the same care, only one thing occurs to me: that one of them has less availability of nutrients. Even if they are on the same ground, there may be variations between one corner or another, even if it is from the same garden.
      My advice is that you do a first treatment to the soil, with liquid humus (you will find it in nurseries), which will make the roots better absorb the nutrients and minerals from the soil.
      And, to prevent, it would also be advisable to water the plant with an insecticide containing Chlorpyrifos, to eliminate or prevent mealybugs. These are insects that are normally seen more on the leaves, but from my own experience I can tell you that sometimes there are also some that prefer the roots. And the insecticide will also eliminate other pests you may have.
      Of course, do not do the two treatments on the same day. It is better to allow 10-15 days between one and the other to avoid problems.
      A greeting.

  23.   Ishmael. said

    Monica, good morning ...
    Buy a cyca with a trunk and three leaves ... already yellow one centimeter, on all the edges of the leaves. Little by little it goes from yellow to dry and the yellow color progresses towards the center of the three leaves. As of today I have the three leaves one centimeter dry and one centimeter yellow towards the center of the leaves .. rest of the leaves and trunk look good. I have not seen any type of plague.
    Thanks for your advice… Ismael.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Ismael.
      The yellow and / or dry tips are usually due to change of place, from a place with little light to another with a lot of light. If you have it in the sun, I recommend that you place it in a semi-shaded area, at least during this year. And next year gradually get used to the sun.
      If not for that, how often do you water it? It is important to water little (2 times a week, or 3 in summer if it is very hot), but soaking the substrate well each time.
      A greeting.

  24.   Glenda said

    Hello, I love your forum! Excellent!!!! Notice that I have a 5-year-old cyca. But it has some small red insects that fly 🙁 and my cyca is dying I don't know what to do or what insecticide to apply please help me: ((I would appreciate it very much !!!!

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Glenda.
      I don't know which insect you mean 🙁. If you can, upload a photo to a free image hosting website, then copy the link here.
      Still, you can treat it with a systemic insecticide that contains Chlorpyrifos. This should fix the problem.
      A greeting.

  25.   Marta said

    Hello Glenda, I have a Cyca with green leaves but just by touching them they fall off easily. In the center (the birth of the leaves) is red. The leaves are twisting and at the base there are like little plants (I don't know if it will be mold). The cycca must be about 15 years old. I would be very grateful if you would help me because I do not know what it can be. Thanks

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello, Martha.
      From what you count, it looks like a severe fungal attack, perhaps caused by overwatering.
      I recommend treating it with a broad spectrum systemic fungicide, following the manufacturer's recommendations, and space the risks.
      A greeting.

  26.   Pablo said

    Hello friend, I have a cica, for two years now, I planted it in my garden, half two meters high, now with time its large leaves have dried up, even the leaves that are coming out grow one meter and turn yellow from the tip and they dry, I have pulled them and they come off their stem with a lot of humidity, I don't know what to do, and I water it every eight days, it was very nice and big, now its leaves just grow a meter they put cocks and die, please could you tell me what to do to my mail licpablo11@hotmail.com is that he almost did not enter here, for the attention. Thanks.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi, Pablo.
      Is it possible that the humidity in the area is high? And, when you water, do you also water the bud?
      It is likely being attacked by fungi, such as Phytophthora. I recommend doing a systemic fungicide treatment, and prune the leaves that look weak.
      A greeting.

  27.   Marta said

    Hi Glenda,
    To the comment I made yesterday I wanted to add that I have taken the cyca out of the pot and I have taken some photos of the root in which you see some disturbances (as if they were very small rhizomes) that I would like you to see. I have also taken a photo of the surface where the plants have grown. Could I send them to any link? I am very thankfull for your help. It is very difficult to find information about the cyca and with your opinion you help us a lot.
    Thankful in advance,
    Marta

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello, Martha.
      You cannot upload photos to the blog directly, you must upload them to a tinypic or imageshack website and then copy the link here.
      If you don't know how, tell me and I'll help you.
      By the way, I think you have the wrong name 🙂
      A greeting.

  28.   alex said

    Hello, I have a small cyca, three new branches sprouted but each palm only opened half and the other half did not open, it stayed rolled up, the leaves are brown and small.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Alex.
      Have you recently had it? If so, do you have it in the sun? Her leaves may be burning from not being used to being in the sun. In this case, it is better to put it in an area where there is a lot of light, but without it reaching it directly.
      Have you looked for a cottony mealybug? Sometimes, if there are many, they prevent the leaves from growing and developing normally.
      Just in case, I recommend treating it with paraffin oil, which is a natural insecticide, or with Chlorpyrifos.
      A greeting.

  29.   Carolina said

    Hi how are things! My cyca has crooked leaves. For what is this? Thank you.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Caroline.
      It may be a virus. Diseases transmitted by viruses cannot be treated 🙁 What you can do is fertilize it in spring and summer with organic fertilizers to give it strength (such as guano, worm castings or horse manure). Also, and very important, disinfect the pruning tool before pruning it, with pharmacy alcohol.
      A greeting.

  30.   Jose A. said

    Hello, I have a male Cyca Revoluta, 1 meter high, and I have not grown new leaves for 3 years the central flower comes out every summer, the first I cut it ... I don't know if it will have something to do with it, the two years after I have left it until it has withered and fallen, but there are no remnants of any leaves that have come out in that time or that have the intention of leaving. What could be the cause and is there anything I can do? Thanks and best regards.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Jose A.
      Cycas go through periods of "inactivity". There may have been some change in your cultivation, or that the soil has run out of the necessary nutrients, but it may also simply be that you do not "want" to plant new leaves.
      Still, I would recommend fertilizing it with some organic powdered compost, such as worm castings or horse manure. You can take a layer of about 2cm thick, and mix it a little (just a little) with the most superficial layer of the earth. Afterward, give it a generous watering.
      Repeat if you want after two months, and then next spring.
      A greeting.

  31.   Jose A. said

    Thank you very much Monica, I will do what you tell me, greetings.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Greetings Jose 🙂

  32.   Patricia said

    Good evening, your photo is very useful. I have some questions. My son is 8 years old. It measures like a meter, I see that it has not grown much, it is planted in the ground under a strong sun. I water it 2 times a week. Currently it is full of white puojo, and I sprayed it with pain king, it improved a little but it is still white. I ask for the leaves or I wash them. What I do ? Thanks

  33.   Patricia said

    I meant Foley King

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Patricia.
      I recommend you do a new treatment, but instead of spraying the plant, if you have time and patience, clean the leaves with a swab from the ears or a brush dipped in the insecticide.
      Do it in the evening so that the leaves do not burn in the sun.
      By the way, if the heat is very intense (more than 30ºC for many days or weeks in a row), water it 3 times a week better.
      A greeting.

      1.    Patricia said

        Thank you very much I will do it. Do I do it with Foley King or do I use one with fenoxycarb? Do you also know about kerpis palms? I have died three double seeded in the same place. They are killed by a white worm that eats the center is white and fat. I have fumigated them and I fumigate the land but the same thing happens to me. Thank you for your invaluable advice.

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Foley king is fine.
          I advise you to treat kerpis palms (Veitchia merilli) with 48% Chlorpyrifos or with Imidacloprid, spraying the bud of the plant well and watering with the insecticide once a month.
          Greetings, and thanks to you 🙂

          1.    Patricia said

            Thank you very much again. Greetings


          2.    Monica Sanchez said

            Greetings to you.


  34.   Enna Rosa Perez said

    Good afternoon I have a scar of 15 years approx and it has a plague that looks like dandruff are some white dots on the leaves and the leaves below are drying it is about 1.70 high and is planted in the ground to see if you can recommend something to me, thank you

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Enna.
      I would recommend treating it with an insecticide based on Chlorpyrifos. If it does not improve, contact you again and we will find another solution.
      A greeting.

  35.   Javier said

    Hi Monica, I just bought my cica a few weeks ago, first it came with a lot of ants and they recommended I add detergent with water ... now the leaves are turning yellow from the center to the tips, will it be because of the soap? It is potted in direct sunlight for about 5 hours, water once a week .. thank you in advance for your support

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Javier.
      Yes, almost certainly because of the detergent.
      I recommend you continue watering it like this, once a week, and wait.
      Some leaves are likely to turn completely yellow. If that happens, you can cut them.
      A greeting.

      1.    Javier said

        Thanks for the comment so there is not much to do and not see her pretty for a while ... or changing the earth?

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Cycas are very slow growing 🙁. Now in summer it is not a good time to change the land, but in autumn it can be done. In the meantime, you can water it occasionally with homemade rooting hormones, such as lentils (here explains how to do it). Thus its roots will be strengthened.
          A greeting.

  36.   Roxanne V. said

    Good night Monica a few months ago I bought a Cyca and in the last few days I realized that it is turning yellow and they have little brown worms. Can you help me recover? I do not want to lose it in advance, thank you very much.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Roxana.
      I recommend treating it with Inaclor 48. This will kill the worms.
      A greeting.

  37.   Samuel said

    Hello Mrs. Monica ... my problem is that if I take a child out of the cyca plant but the bulb breaks in half ... does it dry out or does it recover?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi samuel.
      You can put rooting hormones on it. They usually root without problems.
      Even so, for more luck you have to wait for the sucker to be a little big, more or less, until the bulb measures at least 2cm.
      A greeting.

  38.   Carolina said

    Hello Monica, good morning, very interesting, all the comments, I have had a girl for 10 years, they removed all the leaves because she had many yellowish spots, but now in the center there are many orange balls, is this why?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Caroline.
      If all the leaves were removed, the only thing I can think of is that he is now pulling out new leaves. The Cycas take them out like ferns, that is, they are unrolled as if we were unrolling a measuring tape.
      Anyway, if you can upload an image to a tinypic or imageshack website and copy the link here to see it. If you don't know how to do it, tell me and I'll explain. 🙂
      A greeting.

  39.   Jose Fernandez Urquiaga said

    Hi Monica: I have an 8-year-old cica in the ground and with daily watering by the grass. In seasons I love her and other times I think about cutting her off and forgetting myself. I thought I solved the problem of white powder on the leaves with foley Rey, but it is coming back, but I have discovered another mystery and I want to ask you what is a light brown thing that looks like plastic foam in the dome where the new leaves come out? Thanks

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Jose.
      Do not worry. I have deleted your first comment 🙂.
      The white powder may be caused by a fungus, mildew. You can treat it with Fosetil-Al or Metalaxil.
      Regarding your question, it may be a symptom that the plant is trying to fight the fungus, or it may be caused by another microorganism. If you want, upload an image to tinypic or imageshack, copy the link here and I'll tell you.
      A greeting.

  40.   Jose Fernandez Urquiaga said

    Sorry Monica because I got into trouble and I think it shows. Thanks

  41.   Francisco Uribe said

    Hello, good morning Monica, I have a small, sick cyca. I took the plant to an agrochemical store and they told me it had San Jose Scale and they recommended imidacloprid + betacyflutrin. I have applied it once a week as instructed I have been for 3 weeks, and I feel that the whiteheads (such as dandruff) have not diminished. You could help me confirm the diagnosis or give me better advice. Please. http://imageshack.com/a/img923/7382/tl12SQ.jpg

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Francisco.
      Yes, indeed, it does have scales or San José lice. The treatment is adequate, but rather than spraying once a week, I would recommend cleaning the leaves with these insecticides with a swab from the ears or with a small brush.

      You can cut the dried leaves as they will not turn green again.

      A greeting.

  42.   Leonardo said

    Hello, my cyca has banquesinous pubtos in the lower leaves, you know what it may be due to and how I treat it

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Leonardo.
      Have you seen if those points go away? I ask you because there is a type of mealybug that looks whitish, and it is tiny (it measures less than 0,5cm). In the event that they go away, you can treat your cyca with any anti-mealybug.
      If this doesn't happen to you, upload an image to tinypic or imageshack, copy the link here and I'll tell you.
      A greeting.

  43.   Susana said

    Good afternoon, I have a cockroach that I planted in a planter about two weeks ago, it is still small. I have it in black soil and I water it three times a week. It is in a place where there is a lot of sun, most of the day .. at first it was very green, right now its leaves are starting to turn yellow… I have noticed that it has one that another black ant on its leaves. I don't want him to die, could you help me xfa. Thanks

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Susan.
      The cyca is a plant that must be in full sun; However, if it is just purchased it is better that it is in semi-shade and that it gradually adapts to the sunlight. First a couple of hours, the next month an hour more, and so on until they get used to it.
      A greeting.

  44.   Allen said

    Hello good morning, my cyca is filled with some white scabs, from the bulb and extends to the leaves, and is drying; Could you help me tell me what it is and how I can fight it to save my plant.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Allen.
      From what you count, it looks like they are mealybugs. You can eliminate them with an anti-mealybug insecticide that you will find on sale in nurseries and garden stores.
      A greeting.

      1.    Allen said

        Hello, good afternoon, thank you for your prompt response, but I would like to send you the photos that I took to my cyca, so that you can see well what he has and give me specifically a remedy, but here he does not allow to add images, where you can I can send, in advance, a cordial greeting and sorry for the inconvenience, eske I have already 6 years with my plant and nothing had ever happened to it, I do not want to lose it, please help me.

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Hi Allen.
          You can upload an image to tinypic or imageshack, copy the link here and I'll tell you. If you don't know how, in This Video it shows.
          A greeting.

  45.   Enrique Avendano said

    Hello Mrs. Monica, good afternoon! I have a scar that my mother gave me! I transplanted it into the ground since it was in a pot! It was in the shade and now it gets direct sunlight most of the day, the leaves began to turn yellow and I cut them waiting for new ones to come out, but that was a month ago! The center bulb still looks velvety, in good condition! But still no leaves come out! I water it every other day! It is normal???

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello, Enrique.
      Yes, that velvety is most likely the new leaves 🙂.
      A greeting.

  46.   Cecilia Gutierrez said

    Hello, good afternoon. I have had a cyca for twelve years. It is in good condition, but it is almost two years old without new leaves. How often do new leaves come out? And at what time of year do they sprout? Thanks.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello cecilia.
      Cycas do not take leaves every year. You may have wanted to take a break 🙂.
      Next spring he will surely bring out new ones.
      A greeting.

  47.   marc said

    Hi Monica, I cut off all the central leaves from my zyka due to a huge infestation of what I think was mealybug. I took advantage of it and plucked the bulbs, planted them and some came out.
    My question is about the mother zyka: Now green leaves come out on the sides and not in the central area. Will they ever come out in the middle again? I have been without them for almost a year, but I deduce that it is not dead because otherwise, new leaves would not be born, right? The little girl that I have alive is starting to come out now.
    I'm worried about the big one, which was very pretty and I don't know if I killed it or not by cutting off all the leaves to eliminate the cochineal.
    Thank you very much.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Marc.
      If it does not grow central leaves, it is possible that the pest has damaged that area and the plant to survive has chosen to produce leaves on the sides. She is alive, of course, but she may not look like she was before she fell ill 🙁.
      A greeting.

  48.   Tere said

    Hi! I have a cika and its leaves had always grown very well and now it opened completely and only some came out like leaves like beige and when touched they are textured like fabric. And many of its leaves are yellow. It takes like 2 weeks and no new leaves are born. The truth is that I love it and I worry that it will die.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Tere.
      How often do you water it? If the soil is very wet or very dry, the plant does not grow well. You have to water it every time it is dry, about two or three times a week.
      If you have it in a pot and have never transplanted it, you need a larger one.
      A greeting.

  49.   Martin said

    How are you! How is Monica?
    I have been reading all your answers and I dared to send you my following question:
    I have a very young cyca, they just gave it to me in January of this 2017, everything was going well until two leaves came out, they began to take an exceptional size compared to the original ones, I thought that later I would have to transplant it to a larger pot, however those leaves were not fully developed! ☹️ and the others turned yellowish. It is worth mentioning that I have it in a pot and inside an apartment with a window and the leaves lean towards the light, the watering frequency was every week (Mexico City is warm), and I don't know what happened to it! I am sending you a photo for more detail.
    http://es.tinypic.com/r/ot3mo5/9
    A pleasure to greet you.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Martin.
      Your Cyca lacks light. The leaves have been etiolated too much.
      For the rest, I recommend fertilizing it with a fertilizer for palm trees and cycads so that it can get new, healthy leaves.
      A greeting.

  50.   Luis Miguel said

    Hello Monica,
    Magnificent your website about gardening. I have a few-year-old Cycas and a Zamia that I bought last summer, both of which have produced mealybugs like the ones you can see in the photos. In addition, the Zamia has sticky leaves and some dark spots. I would like, if possible, that you recommend a natural product for both of us or if there is no other remedy, a chemical product.
    A greeting and thank you very much.

    Luis

    Zamia. http://es.tinypic.com/r/n15446/9
    Cyca revoluta. http://es.tinypic.com/r/2r40513/9

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Luis Miguel.
      We are glad that you like the blog.
      For your plants to be healthy, I would recommend removing the pest with a swab from the ears moistened with water and a little hand soap.
      In any case, to eliminate it completely it is highly advisable to treat them with Chlorpyrifos, pulverizing the leaves and watering them well, soaking the soil well.
      A greeting.

  51.   Luis Miguel said

    Thank you very much for the speed in your response Monica. When I treat it with Chlorpyrifos, should I repeat the treatment afterwards? Would you advise me of any time of day to carry out the treatment? and change them pot?

    Cheers and thank you again.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Luis Miguel again 🙂
      In general, it is recommended to repeat the treatment the following week. If necessary, that is, if the plague spreads too much and too quickly, you can treat them earlier, after 3-4 days.
      The best time is at sunset, when the sun begins to set.
      Regarding your last question, I do not recommend it while they are sick, as it would take them a bit to get over the transplant.
      A greeting.

  52.   Luis Miguel said

    Thank you very much Monica, I will inform you about how everything was after the treatment.
    Greetings,
    Luis Miguel.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Good luck. All the best.

  53.   Daniel Contreras said

    Hello good, I had a doubt, I have a shadow palm, but this one has begun to appear in the leaves some holes or broken with brown edges, and they are spreading through the palm, I am worried that it will die but I have no idea what What am I giving her or how to help her, can you help me about it? Thanks in advance

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Daniel.
      How often do you water it? It is important to check the humidity of the soil before watering, for example by introducing a thin wooden stick (if it comes out clean, we can water), and remove the excess water ten minutes after watering in case we have put a plate underneath.
      A greeting.

  54.   Mariana said

    Hello Monica!
    I bought a cyca revoluta in March, from what they told me it is young, it is less than 3 years old, at first everything is fine, I watered it every two weeks about 2 liters of water, however they asked me to change the pot and it began to dry out, I asked a gardener for advice who told me that I had to water it every other day, half a liter and I started doing it, however, every day that passes it dries more, any recommendation to revive it? I don't want him to die and I don't know what to do, thank you very much.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Mariana.
      I recommend you remove the yellow and / or dry leaves, and water it every time the soil is dry.
      To do this, you can check the humidity by doing several things:
      -Insert a thin wooden stick to the bottom: if it comes out with a lot of adhering soil, you don't have to water it as it will be very humid.
      -Weigh the pot once it is watered and again after a few days: as wet soil weighs more than dry soil, this difference in weight can serve as a guide.
      -Use a digital moisture meter: when you enter it, it will tell you instantly what degree of humidity has the soil with which it has come into contact. It can be very reliable if you introduce it again in other areas (closer to the edge of the pot, closer to the plant,…).

      The frequency of irrigation, however, should be 1-2 times a week in summer, and once every 7-10 days the rest of the year. You have to water until the water runs out of the drainage holes in the pot.

      Even so, I also advise you to treat it with anti-mealybugs, because it could be that it had in the roots. Instead of spraying the leaves, pour the dose indicated by the product directly into the shower, and water with this water.

      A greeting.

      1.    Mariana sanchez said

        Thank you very much Monica, I will do so, again thank you very much!

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          To you 🙂

  55.   Jorge Linares placeholder image said

    I have a cica plant, but in the center a very large ball came out that, looking at it closely, they look like tiny scar leaves, what is this ball?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Jorge.
      If they are green, they are new leaves of the plant, or suckers. But if they are yellowish, it is probably the inflorescence.
      If you want, upload an image to tinypic or imageshack, or to our Telegram group and I tell you.
      A greeting.

  56.   Elmy ake said

    Good morning. I am desperate because my cica is small and the first time I discovered worms in the earth, I transplanted it again and changed it with soil and I am very happy that it came back to life. These days the leaves are turning yellow and when I stirred the earth I found worms wallowing. I ask for help, I do not know what to do because I do not know much about plsntas but it is a beautiful plant and it is a gift and I do not want it to die

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Elmy.
      You can treat it with Cypermethrin 10%. This will remove pests from the soil.
      Anyway, if you want you can share photos, as well as doubts, in our Telegram group : )
      A greeting.

  57.   Edgar galvez said

    Hello, my wife cut all the leaves when the syca was with flowers, it took a while and new leaves came out but they did not come out normal, they are like Curly, what can I do to make her leaves come out well? Thanks!

  58.   Liudmila said

    Hello Monica. I came across this blog by chance looking for information on what is happening to my Cyca palm. I tell him that he is young. It measures around 50 cm. It looks beautiful and healthy but I discovered a few days ago a white powder is coating the leaves more strongly on the back of the leaves. I have no idea what to do to them. I really like how he responds to all the concerns. Hopefully you can advise me. A big greeting
    Liudmila

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Liudmila.
      It is probably being attacked by fungi, mildew u powdery mildew.
      You can treat your plant (not a palm tree, by the way 🙂) with any systemic fungicide.
      A greeting.

  59.   Ivan Rodriguez said

    I have a newly planted cica. A kind of white fungus has grown
    Where can I send the photo? To know if the fungus is bad or good. The person who sold it to me made a comment that made me think that it is very good for the palm. I want to know your opinion. Thanks

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Ivan.
      Although there are many plants that have symbiotic relationships with fungi, such as orchids or conifers, when a Cyca has fungi it is time to worry.
      You can upload a photo to tinypic, imageshack or our telegram group to see it 🙂
      A greeting.

  60.   Joan M. said

    Hello, I have a cyca that was beautiful and for some time it has had brown and berrugososo spots. They are spread throughout the plant. New leaves come out but when they are a span or so they begin to dry out. What I can do?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Juana M.
      They are probably mealybugs. You can remove them with a swab from the ears soaked in pharmacy alcohol, and patience 🙂.
      A greeting.

  61.   Victor Manuel Diaz Zepeda said

    Good day. I have. A girl worries me because I think that this patient has many little white spots and several dry leaves, I would appreciate your help. How can I send you photos of it?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Victor Manuel.
      From what counts, it seems that it has fungi which are eliminated with fungicides.
      Anyway, you can send photos to our facebook profile, or to our telegram group.
      A greeting.

  62.   Laura said

    Hello:
    Is there a natural fungicide for cycas and a natural fertilizer that is preferred for them?
    Thanks greetings

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Laura.
      Not specific for Cycas, but you can treat it with copper or sulfur in spring or fall.
      Natural fertilizers that are very good for you is, for example, the guano, which has a very fast effectiveness.
      A greeting.

  63.   Nicole Perez said

    Hello Monica,

    I have a Cyca Revoluta, it has been with us for about 22 years, this summer the cyca has had white straws out of the back and front it looks like mushroom, I am worried because the Cyca is already drying up completely and it would be a shame to lose it, it is what adorns our garden.

    Awaiting your reply.

    regards

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Nicolle.
      Probably has mealybugs. You can treat it with an anti-mealybug insecticide, or, if you want something more natural, with a brush dipped in pharmacy alcohol and a lot of patience, you can remove them.
      A greeting.

  64.   Catherine said

    Hello Monica. They have given me a very beautiful dwarf palm tree in a flowerpot. I brought her from Buenos Aires to Neuquén, an area with a lot of wind and arid soil. A few days ago the leaves began to change their appearance at their dry ends and some small black mabcgad appeared, like tiny black buttons. I don't know what it is and how I should take care of it. Your advice would be very useful to me. THANK YOU

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Caterine.
      Do you have it in the sun? If so, it is better to put it in semi-shade to avoid burning.
      As for its care, I recommend you read this article.
      A greeting.

  65.   Fernando Martin Blázquez said

    Good afternoon Monica, I have read almost all the answers you have made to the problems posed by cyca lovers. I think I know the problem that my cycas have but I would like you to confirm it. I have four cycas of medium size in a pot and they have been with me for about four years, so far I have not had problems but I have begun to observe that a white powder appears around the trunk that reaches the beginning of the leaves and one of the cycas I see the leaves start to turn yellow. From what I read I think it is a fungus, could you confirm it? What would be the treatment and for how long would I have to apply it and how often. Thank you

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Fernando.
      Yes, it is probably a mushroom. You can treat it with a spray fungicide, 3-4 days in a row for a week.
      All the best

  66.   Angelica Angle said

    Hi! I have two sycas that I transplant, because they were planted in clay pots and they were fading.
    I changed them to equally large pots, but one of them, the prettiest, began to dry out of its leaves. They are in the same old place.
    What can I do to rescue her?
    Thank you!

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Angelica.
      Do you have them in direct sun? If so, I would recommend putting it in semi-shadow for a while.
      And if they do not get the sun, treat it with a universal insecticide for plants that you can buy in the nurseries.
      A greeting.

  67.   MARIA DEL MAR said

    Good Morning.
    I have an 18 year old cyca on the porch of my house. It has always grown beautiful and had already taken the point of irrigation. For more or less 2 months the lower leaves have dried, I have already pruned it on 2 occasions. Other leaves have brown spots In the nursery they gave me a product for mealy bugs, which I have already applied by spraying 1 time / week for 3 weeks. I also put a fertilizer on it, once a week. I am not clear if it is like this because of the irrigation that is not appropriate. I touch the ground and if it feels dry, I add a couple of liters of water.
    It is located in a very large terracotta pot and I cannot move it, not even take it out of there to see the roots.
    Also say that it is in an area of ​​passage, as it has grown a lot it is possible that we touch it a little when passing
    I would appreciate some advice or it has me very worried.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Maria del Mar.

      What is the size of the pot? And the plant?

      It is that more than irrigation problems or lack of fertilizer, I suspect that what happens to him is that he has run out of space.

      Greetings.

  68.   José said

    My case is not any of those mentioned in your writing. She is a cica, 12 years old in the garden, with a size of 50 centimeters. Q as a result of putting itchiness all over the garden, she began to turn yellow the lower leaves and dry up. And the other leaves have many granites on the underside, like fine brown sand, and black dots, and it contaminates the leaves from the bottom up.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Jose.
      From what you say, your plant has mealybugs (San Jose louse, to be more exact). You have to treat it with an anti-cochineal insecticide.
      A greeting.