Extremely slow-growing palm maturing to a height of 6'. Produces dark shiny green leaves 4'-5' long. Hot summers and mild winters are ideal growing conditions.
| Plant Profile | |
| Botanical Name | Cycads revoluta |
| Features | Extremely slow-growing palm maturing to a height of 6'. Produces dark shiny green leaves 4'-5' long. Hot summers and mild winters are ideal growing conditions. |
| Exposure | Full sun |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 13-15 |
| Mature Size | 3-6' Tall, 3-6' Wide |
| Genus Description | Cycas is a genus of about 15 species of cycads found on dry, stony slopes and in semi-desert and dry, open woodland from Madagascar to S. and S.E. Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. They have whorls of pinnate, stiff, leathery leaves, with linear-lance shaped to sickle-shaped leaflets. Dioecious inflorescences arise from the centers of the leaf rosettes. The large male inflorescences are cone-like, up to 32 inches tall, and usually covered in woolly hairs; the female inflorescences consist of loosely arranged, modified leaves, to 12 inches long, bearing ovules on the margins. Cycas species are grown for their palm-like appearance, and are also cultivated as a source of starch after the removal of carcinogenic alkaloids. Where not hardy, grow in a temperate or warm greenhouse, or as foliage houseplants. In warmer climates, they make excellent specimen plants. The Cycas revoluta (also known as Sago Palm) is a robust-stemmed cycad, erect at first but gradually reclining with age, and suckering and branching when mature. Arching leaves, 30-60 inches long, are pinnate, with up to 125 sickle-shaped, glossy dark green leaflets. Ovoid, woolly, golden brown inflorescences are produced on mature plants but seldom on those grown in containers. The male inflorescences, to 16 inches long, are pineapple-scented; females, 8 inch long, produce ovoid yellow fruit, 1 to 1.5 inches long. Regardless of age or size, Cycads revolta is one of the easiest plants to grow, indoors or out, by beginner or expert. This subtropical adapts to a wide range of temperatures from 15 to 110 degrees F, accepts full sun or bright interior light, thrives with attention, and tolerates neglect. In addition, Cycads are extremely long-lived. |
| Care Tips | |
| Cultivation | Under glass, grow in a mix of equal parts loam, compost, and coarse bark with additional grit and charcoal, and a slow-release fertilizer. Provide full light, with shade from hot sun, and moderate humidity. In the growing season, water moderately; reduce humidity and water in winter. Pot on or top-dress in spring. Outdoors, grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun. |
| Pests and Diseases | Spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale insects are common. Many fungi cause leaf spots and root rots. Prone to magnesium deficiency. |
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Tags: cycads revoluta, japanese sago, king sago, sago palm