Species Sago palm Guide
green foliage with lime-green stems

Sago palm

Cycas revoluta

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 10

Flowers:

non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

red,orange Fruits In Summer Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Sago palms should be watered moderately and evenly. Water once per week in spring and summer, providing enough water to moisten the soil around the roots, but avoiding overly wet conditions. In fall and winter months the plants require less water, and should be watered sparingly, as over-watering can damage or kill the plant.

sunlight

The Sago palm requires full sun or partial shade to thrive. For optimal growth, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, with partial shade in the hottest, sunniest part of the day being beneficial. It needs to be exposed to direct sunlight for the majority of the day in order to increase its chances for optimal growth. In areas of extreme heat, it may fare better if some shade is provided from 11am to 4pm.

pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a Sago palm, and should be done regularly. Pruning should be done in early spring, typically around the beginning of March. Generally, Sago palms should be pruned back to about 2/3 of the plant's total height. This will help promote new growth and vastly improve the appearance of the plant. Additionally, any dead or damaged leaves should be trimmed away, as well as any flower stalks. Pruning Sago palms back to 2/3 of their initial height encourages the growth of new, lush foliage and helps to keep the plant looking tidy and attractive.