It’s that time of year again to watch out for Cycad attack from the Cycad Blue Butterfly – (Theclinesthes onycha) larvae. If you live on the Eastern Seaboard of Australia, from Cape York to southern New South Wales, & have a Cycas revoluta in your garden, look out for larvae.
Spring sees lots of activity in the garden but how much activity is governed by the temperatures of the season. With longer Summers and shorter mid seasons, the garden is experiencing many changes. Depending on how much Spring we experience, the hatching of insects can occur earlier in the season then normal.
One insect to get prepared for is the Cycad Blue Butterfly. It takes advantage of the spiky foliage of Cycas revoluta to lay its eggs. These little brown grubs or larvae, hatch and are ferocious eaters. They cause immense damage very quickly to the new shoots that emerge during the warmer days in Spring. It’s at this time of year when you need to be diligent, to offer the best protection for your plants.
Treatment.
Some gardeners net the Cycad to stop the butterfly from laying their eggs, whilst White Oil and Neem Oil are known to stop the eggs from hatching. Treatment will need to be applied very regularly, until the new shoots mature and harden, to ensure no leaf damage.
However the least toxic and easiest way to treat them is to remove them by hand. If needed, wear some garden gloves and pick them off individually ensuring you also check the back of the fronds as well. You will need to repeat this regularly as new larvae hatch regularly. Don’t leave it too long between inspections as the plant will not recover, leaving it looking quite undesirable.
It is very important to remember to check the plant everyday, if not twice a day. Repeat the process of removal until you have beaten the life cycle. Damaged fronds may need to be removed which may encourage new shoots if you’re lucky. Remember to put this yearly event in your calendar because as always, prevention is better then cure. Left untreated your Cycad will eventually die after becoming an unsightly looking plant.
Alternative Approach.
If the whole process is too labour intensive then consider replacing your Cycad revoluta with another plant species. The Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea) is a great option as this member of the Cycad family is not effected by the Cycad Blue Butterfly and they perform equally as well. Providing a lush tropical look or formality to a garden when incorporated well, Zamia furfuracea is a great choice for easy gardening.
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