Question
QUESTION: My Palm starts out looking very healthy.  After a while some of the leaves, in part, begin turning a rusty/yellow color.  Is this caused by lack of fertilizer, soil condition, mites/scale?  How best to treat?

ANSWER: Hi Don:
Yellow leaves can result from many things. If the leaves are of a uniform yellow, then there may be a nutritional issue or some other soil/root problem.  You can get your soil tested to determine which element may be out of sync, then add it accordingly.  Soil tests can be often done free through your local county Agricultural Extension office.

Scale insects are easy to see. Usually raised rounded structures found commonly on the undersides of the leaves.  Seen w/o any magnification- usually 1-2mm diameter.  Mites are smaller.  Often you can see a delicate webbing on the leaves.  Tap a few leaves over a white piece of paper. Mites are yellowish-orange and can be seen crawling on the white background of the paper. Remember mites are not true insects since they have 8 instead of 6 legs and have 2 body regions instead of 3 for the classic insect.

At some point, you may wish to invest in a 10X hand lens.  These are similiar to the jewelers loupe.  Great for seeing those small critters up close and in person.  Your kids will like that too!

Regards

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the response.  I tend to believe the problem is related to a lack of nutrients rather than critters.  What would you suggest for fertilizer content?  Don.

Answer
Don:
Most any good palm fertilizer should be fine eventhough this is a cycad.  An ornamental shrub/tree material is OK too such as 8-8-8 or 16-4-8.  Might consider checking in with your local nursery/garden center for an appropriate material.

Regards
Steve