Sago Palm

Sago Palm Care

Cycas revoluta palm

What is the plant

A Sago palm is a low-growing tree with stunning green fronds - it's bound to become an eye-catching addition to your household. Some climates also allow to enjoy them as garden plants.

A Sago palm isn't technically a palm tree. It's a cycad, a group of ancient tropical and subtropical plants that usually grow from a trunk. Sago palms are tracing their roots back to Japan and southern China.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

12°C - 16°C

Hardiness zone

8a - 10b

Difficulty

Medium

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
A Sago palm is a humidity-loving plant, but it's sensitive towards overwatering. Misting the plant or putting the pot on a pebble tray is a good idea in most indoor environments. Allow the soil to dry out in between the waterings.
Pruning
No special pruning requirements. Use sharp, sterilized tools for any hygienic measures. Cut off the fronds as close to the trunk as possible when they go brown or yellow.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly throughout the growing season (spring to fall) with a slow-release liquid fertilizer, using an 18-8-18 ratio (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium).

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Choose a spot with bright indirect light. The less light your plant is getting, the less water it will require, so that's something to keep in mind. Sago palm can do well in low light conditions, its leaves will grow dark green, but that's perfectly normal.
Soil
The palm prefers acidic or neutral soil with a rich structure. A cacti or a palm mix will do well. It should also be well-draining.
Propagation
Divide the plant once it produces offshots. Allow them to callous for a few days in a dry place. Plant them in a pot, keep them shady and sparingly watered.

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Temperature
The plant enjoys a warm and humid environment. Get ready to meet the average room temperatures of 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) but no lower than 60ºF (15ºC). Put it away from window drafts and heat vents; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Container
Many gardeners prefer to use unglazed terra cotta pots instead of porous pots, since the latter allow for rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil. The draining properties are very important.
Fun fact
A Sago palm produces nuts but doesn't flower or fruit.