Sago Palms: White Dots and Scale Insects
Introduction
Sago palms are ancient plants that resemble palm trees but are actually cycads. These resilient plants have been around for millions of years, but even they can fall prey to tiny pests. If you notice white dots on your sago palm, it’s likely a sign of scale insects, a common problem in warm climates.
Identifying Scale Insects on Sago Palms
Scale insects are small, sucking insects that feed on the sap of plants. They have a protective waxy armor that makes them difficult to detect until they become numerous. When scale insects infest a sago palm, they appear as white or yellow dots on the leaves, stems, and trunk.
Preventing Scale Insects
The best way to prevent scale insects on sago palms is to keep your plants healthy and vigorous. Water regularly, fertilize occasionally, and prune away any dead or diseased leaves. You can also spray your sago palm with neem oil or horticultural oil as a preventative measure.
Treating Scale Insects
If you do find scale insects on your sago palm, don’t panic. There are several effective treatment methods available.
- Pruning: Remove any infested fronds or stems to reduce the population of scale insects.
- Horticultural Oil: Apply paraffin-based horticultural oil to all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves and the trunk. Repeat the application every five days for two to three treatments.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to control scale insects. Apply it to the plant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Systemic Insecticide: Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the roots and then distributed throughout the plant. This allows the insecticide to reach scale insects that are hiding in cracks or on the roots.
- Beneficial Insects: Certain insects, such as beetles and wasps, are natural predators of scale insects. Introducing these beneficial insects to your garden can help reduce scale populations.
Avoiding Misdiagnosis
White dots on sago palms can also be caused by a natural condition called scurf. Scurf is a harmless white substance that forms on the leaves as they mature. It eventually falls off as the leaf ages. To distinguish between scale insects and scurf, look for raised, elongated bumps that line up along the leaflets and rachis. Scurf will not have this appearance.
Monitoring and Control
Once you have treated your sago palm for scale insects, it’s important to monitor it regularly to prevent re-infestation. Inspect your plant every few weeks for any signs of white dots or scale insects. If you find any, repeat the treatment as necessary.
By following these tips, you can keep your sago palm healthy and free from scale insects.
