Question
Can you please help.

We have 2 huge cycads (they are approx. 13 years old) growing in large pots side by side.  Around 5 months ago we transplanted them from a raised garden beds into large pots.  They are still in exactly the same positions in the yard.

Both showed no signs of stress from being transplanted and we have had many new fronds/grow since moving them.

One of the cycads fronts are turning yellow, from the inside of the leaf to the outside so the outside are still slightly green.  Can you please advise what is causing this?  Should we cut all of the leaves off ?

They are beautiful and we are worried that we might loose one of them.

Regards
Sharon
Sydney, Australia

Answer
Sharon:
From your description, I do not suspect an infectious plant disease but rather an environmental issue- probably related to the roots/soil.  One frond discoloring isn't cause for immediate alarm.  Examine this frond for any insects like scale.  They appear as little (1-3 mm)RAISED brown or whitish bumps.  Check the undersides of the fronds too.  These things are masters of diquise!!  The yellowing may be the beginning of an expression of a nutrient imbalance (lack of fertilizer nutrients)in the soil.

You can snip off the yellowing frond w/o affecting the overall health of the plant.  Be sure not to overwater these plants and make sure the pot has good drainage out the bottom. Occassionally throw in a bit of fertilizer- something like Osmocote sprinkled on the surface.  Apply according to the bottle directions.  This is a slow release material and can last a long time.

Steve