prickly cycad

Prickly cycads (Encephalartos altensteinii) should be watered regularly, especially during periods of active growth. In the summer months when temperatures are high, the plant will require frequent waterings, watering once or twice a week. During the winter months, when temperatures are cooler, water more sparingly, usually every 2 to 3 weeks. Always check the soil before watering to make sure it is completely dry; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. If the soil remains consistently damp or soggy, you should water much less often. Lastly, be sure to avoid overwatering by allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

The prickly cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) prefers full sunlight. During the summer months, it should receive 7-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If it grows in a spot with too much shade, its growth rate will significantly decrease. In the winter, the amount of sunlight it receives should decrease to 4-5 hours. Additionally, the sun should not be too strong, as too much direct sunlight can cause the prickly cycad to dry out. Direct sunlight should also be avoided in the afternoon, as this is when the sun is the hottest and can cause the cycad to become sunburnt.

The best time to prune a prickly cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) is during winter or early spring, while the plant is dormant. This will help to reduce the amount of stress the plant experiences when it is actively growing. Pruning should be limited to removing dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, or to removing any suckers or pups growing around the base of the main stem. Avoid pruning the stems of the plant, however shortening a stem by up to half may be considered if the plant is overgrown. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, as over-pruning can damage the plant and reduce its ability to regenerate foliage.