Question
I have a small sago palm that I bring in for the winter and set out on my deck in the shade in the summer. This spring when I went to put it outside, I noticed that the undersides of all the fronds are covered in shiny brown bumps. It looks like some sort of insects but they are not insects that I can tell, as they do not seem to have legs or move. None of my other plants have this.

Answer
Kimberly  The Cycad you mentioned,  Sago Palm has 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.

Atomic Grow is sold by Crowley's Nursery at www.crowleynursery.net.

Good luck Kimberly

Let me know how it works out.
[email protected]

James