Kwango Giant Cycad

Kwango Giant Cycad Care

Encephalartos Laurentianus

What is the plant

Encephalartos laurentianus, also known as the Kwango Giant Cycad is extremely rare. It is Africa's largest cycad. It grows fast, to become a true giant, prehistoric looking plant! According to author Douglas Goode, its trunk can eventually reach 50-60 feet! In shade, Encephalartos laurentianus eventually becomes so huge that its sheer weight causes the plant to recline and grow along the ground.Encephalartos laurentianus comes from the Eastern Congo and northeastern Angola, areas considered impenetrable to outsiders, due to their remoteness and danger. Thus the rarity of this plant.Encephalartos laurentianus achieves leaves of 15-25 feet long, with leaflets reaching 15-20 inches long.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

15°C - 25°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 12

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
In cultivation prefers moist soil with good drainage for optimal growth. But it is eventually drought resistant. Irrigation systems can be detrimental to cycads, damaging the leaves and stems from the pressure of the water as well as over-watering.
Fertilizer
Naturally undemanding for nutrients, it responds very well to regular applications of fertilizer. Growth can be greatly improved through the application of fertilizers. Most growers find that a fertilizer having an even NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) balance, and supplemental trace elements, provides a good start for cycads.
Sunlight
It thrives and grows best in filtered sun or partial shade. When grown in full sun, the leaves are a little shorter and less likely to be damaged by wind. The leaves of those plants grown in the shade can become stretched out and damage the caudex if they break off close to their base.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
It grows in all sorts of soil type, but prefer well drained, gritty soil with plenty of water, especially in dry weather.
Temperature
Frost sensitive (USDA zones 10-12) .
Additional
Many members of the are poisonous, producing toxic glycosides known as cycasins, one should use gloves when handling or cleaning them.