Sago Palm

Botanical Name: Cycas revoluta

Native Region/Environment: Southern Japan and the Ryukyu islands.

Sun/Light: Bright, indirect light but will tolerate partial shade.  For best growing results increase the amount of indirect light, or morning direct light, for indoor plants and decrease overall direct sun exposure to partial shade for outdoor Sago palm.

Temperature: Indoor houseplant with a minimum temperature of 65F and outdoors they grow best in a temperature range of 65F to 90F.

Water: Allow the soil to be dry to the touch before watering then moisten the soil completely while still allowing it to drain fully.

Soil: Organically rich and porous.  Root rot is a common problem to avoid with well draining soil.

Growth Pattern: A young Sago's trunk is subterranean to slightly emerged with an almost rounded appearance. The trunk will lengthen with age, up to 20' once fully mature.  It is not uncommon for a trunk to branch naturally thus creating multiple heads. 

Sago's grow best with regular fertilizer applications and this will often assist blooms, typically in the third year then every two to three years thereafter.  Sago palms are slow growers and may only produce a single new frond in a year.

Mature Size: Slow growers with potentially long life spans, and requiring minimal care. Low to the ground when young they can grow to heights of 20' upon maturity, in 50-100 years.

Attributes: The elegant, arching fronds make a Sago palm an ideal candidate as a specimen plant in a arid xeriscape or a lush tropical garden; a beautiful container plant or an elegant house plant.  Root rot is a concern, so wherever planted, ensure fast draining soil. The inner starchy pith is a major food staple of peoples in New Guinea and the Maluku islands.  

Pot: 5"