Edible-seed cycas

Edible-seed cycas Care

Dioon edule

What is the plant

Dioon edule, the chestnut dioon, is a cycad native to Mexico, also known as palma de la virgen. It belongs to the Zamiaceae plant family within the order Cycadales. The genus name "Dioon" means "two-egged", referring to the two ovules.

Dioon edule is a very adaptable plant to just about any soil except muddy, non-draining clay. It is long lived and slow growing and a plant with 30cm of stem can be quite old (20-40 or more years). Dioon edule grows in areas transitional between tropical deciduous forest and oak woodland, and in harsh, dry conditions in steep hillsides and cliffs on extremely steep slopes where the soils are skeletal and poor with few nutrients, in limestone, serpentine or in sandy soil, but they can also be found in more hospitable soils and shelter. Interestingly, Dioon edule specifically has the ability to contract its stem underground as it grows — thus maintaining relativity in the amount of trunk exposed. Cycads are among the oldest seed plants and even pre-date the dinosaurs.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 30°C

Hardiness zone

min 9a

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
In cultivation it prefers moist soil with good drainage for optimal growth. But they are eventually very drought resistant. Watering during summer is beneficial and unimpeded air movement is important to avoid foliage being damaged by excessive wet.
Fertilizer
Naturally undemanding for nutrients, Dioon edule responds very well to regular applications of fertilizer. Growth can be greatly improved through the application of fertilizers. Can be used a slow release fertiliser to really kick them on. These plants will love a regular feed with liquid fertiliser, as it is both absorbed through the foliage and the soil. Mulch well when plant them in the garden – mulch conditions the soil, protects roots and saves water.
Sunlight
Plant Dioon edule in sunny, well drained position in sub-tropical or temperate areas. They thrives and grows best in partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
They are very adaptable plants to just about any soil except muddy, non-draining clay. They prefer well drained, gritty soil with plenty of water, especially in dry weather.
Temperature
It is light to moderate frost tolerant to about -12°C (10°F), but only for a short period of time (up to 4 days) and only when mature and well established plant. Dioon edule is one of the most cold hardy cycads.
Popularity
40 people already have this plant 41 people have added this plant to their wishlists