Question
QUESTION: Hi Kathy!
My Sago Palm has been indoors in Michigan for about five years. During the past six months or so the individual frond leaves all turn yellow then brown. The spot begins about a third of the way into the leaf then spreads to the tip. The main part of the frond itself and nearest part of the leaf appears healthy. Also, a month ago it simultaneously grew ten fronds (usually there are three or four) which had the same problem within a week. The frond ends were twisted...
I put the plant outdoors thinking that would help, & added the recommended amount of Miracle Grow as the Internet led me to believe possibly the plant needed more sunlight & a multipurpose fertilizer. The browning seems to be getting worse. Now, except for a bit by the frond core, ALL the leaves are brown with only the green stem of the frond looking healthy.
I appreciate your help!

ANSWER: Hi Carol,   Your sago  may have  what is commonly referred to as Asian Cycad Scale.  It is very common unfortunately on the Sago especially.  There is no known cure for this and the University of Florida is currently doing many studies on the proper treatment.  

One of the products Dr. Robert Stamps is testing with is called Atomic Grow.  It is a foliar spray and will dehydrate the scale immediately.  Atomic Grow is a non-toxic product and works very very well on scale of all kinds.   As it dehydrates the insects it loosens their ability to adhere to the plant.  They can literally be washed off with a gentle pressure.  At the same time Atomic Grow has a stimulating effect on the Sago and will actually increase the growth rate.  I have personally used this product in many commercial landscaping applications and it is simply fascinating.  It is also non selective so you can use it on your other plants as well.  There is also another disease going around that they felt there may not be sago alive.  However, we feel that Atomic Grow restores the health of the plant from poison and fertilizer abuse.
it will clean the plant and allow healing to take place.  Being organic you will never have to go back to poison products for any of your plant problems.

Also, check out  www.rhapisgardens.com/sagos/  for some good tips on indoor sagos.

This is the most up to date information on an truly amazing product.  If you google Miracle Grow and ask about problems, you will find it has harmed many plants.    kathy





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QUESTION: Thank you for your information and prompt reply!
I want to be sure I understand what you are saying.
Does my plant have bugs? I don't see any.
If so, are there bugs in my home that will reinfest the plant when i bring it in after outdoor treatment with Atomic Grow?  
The dead parts of the plant are very dry~actually they snap right off. I don't understand "dehydrating the scale". The dead parts don't appear hydrated.

Answer
Hi Carol.    Once you apply Atomic Grow your plant will repel bugs.  Healthy plants do not have bugs.  It could be a fungus, all of which will be corrected once you apply the product and follow the directions.  In the home give it a twice a month or once a month spray to keep it clean and happy.  Dehydrating the scale means it will evaporate and disappear.  Cut off all the dead and continue using a fertilizer.  Make sure the fertilizer is a slow release so it does not burn your plant.  kathy