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Plant Profiles / Sago palm
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Sago palm
Cycas revoluta · King sago, cycad
An ancient-looking cycad with a shaggy trunk and stiff, glossy fronds. Very slow and very architectural.
Sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Let dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-5–40°C (23–104°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Very slow
SlowFast
1–1.5 m.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Gritty.
Fertiliser
Spring–summer
RarelyOften
Palm fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Highly toxic; can be fatal to pets.
About this plant
Not a palm but a cycad from southern Japan. Highly toxic to pets, especially the seeds.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, courtyards and modern pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Cycas revoluta |
| Family | Cycadaceae |
| Origin | Southern Japan |
| Plant type | Cycad |
| Mature size | 1–1.5 m |
| Growth rate | Very slow |
| Foliage | Stiff fronds |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic |
| Propagation | Pups or seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
New fronds
Fertilise
New frondsFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Yellow fronds | Manganese deficiency. |
| Scale | Oil. |
| Rot | Wet. |
| Brown | Sun. |
| Slow | Normal. |
Common questions
Palm?
No, a cycad.
Toxic?
Highly.
Fast?
No.
Pots?
Yes.
