Indoor Palm Plants Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): Plant Care and Growing Guide – House Plants Expert by Elyssa Goins 6 months ago by Elyssa Goins Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she's been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. Published: September 21, 2023Last Updated on December 8, 2023 This article was fact checked. Helpful: 100% Share 0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail 235 Table of Contents Toggle DescriptionFoliage Ease of Growing Ancient AncestorsPets FactsSago Palm Care The sago palm is the only cycas plant from its genus which is sold in garden stores for growing indoor houseplants, named cycas revoluta. Although this species is not a true palm – it is similar in appearance to palm trees, with its feather-like fronds. These fronds also look very similar to some ferns. View on AMAZON Description Sago palms are slow-growing houseplants that take a fair few years (5 or more) to reach their maximum height of approximately 2ft when grown indoors. A plant may only produce one leaf per year, so don’t expect lots of new foliage to appear during its growing period. The bad news is propagation by seed will take years to produce a 2ft tall plant; however, the good news is mature plants are sold at many garden stores and they can last for years and years. Foliage A woody type base (called a caudex) which is the stem produces pinnate fronds (multiple leaflets on a stalk) similar to a fern plant. They are stiff and kind of brittle growing over a foot long in an upward fashion and then arch over. Do take care when handling – fronds get bent quite easily and it takes a long time for new fronds to appear. Ease of Growing The sago palm is easy enough for most growers to care for and maintain, but not quite a beginner plant. You will need to provide plenty of bright light, above-average humidity levels, do not over-water, wear gloves when handling, and have plenty of patience with a young plant. Ancient Ancestors The cycads genus, which this species belongs to has an amazing history dating back before dinosaurs roamed the earth. The discovery of fossils from cycads provides evidence of the existence of their ancestors dating back to over 300 million years ago. The sago palm is best suited for growing in a bright conservatory, but it can also be placed in other rooms where there is enough light and room for the wide fronds. Pets This plant is poisonous and one you really don’t want cats or dogs grazing on. If ingested some of the possible reactions can be extreme including death, according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and other sources. One problem is the leaflets are quite slim which does attract the attention of cats, so cat owners may not want to risk having one of these plants in a home. Facts Origin:Asia.Names:Sago Palm (common). Cycas Revoluta (botanical/scientific).Max Growth (approx):Height 2ft indoors.Poisonous for pets:Toxic to cats and dogs (see article). Sago Palm Care Temperature:Temperature: Average room temperatures of 65°F (16°C) — 75°F (24°C) are suitable and no lower than 55°F (12.7°C).Light:Sago palms benefit from bright, indirect light. Do not place it in direct sunlight. Watering:The soil is best kept moist, so water once the soil begins to dry slightly at the top or surface. Over-watering or watering at the crown of the plant can cause the plant to rot. During the winter reduce watering.Soil:A well-draining and aerated potting mix is needed. Something like 1 part peat, 1 part pine bark and 1 part coarse sand is a suitable mix.Re-Potting:Because it’s a slow-growing plant it does not need to be re-potted every year. Once every 3 years should be fine. Wear gloves to protect your hands.Fertilizer:I would feed this plant once a month from April – October with a diluted liquid slow-release fertilizer. It won’t need quite as much or as often as many other foliage plants because it’s so slow-growing.Humidity:Average to above-average humidity levels are best suited. You may want to improve humidity levels with a humidity tray or electronic humidifier if the plant has problems associated with dry air conditions, such as brown leaflet tips. To improve humidity mist the leaves during the summer and when the air is dry.Propagation:Overall they don’t have many pest problems but watch for scale or spider mites.Pests:Overall they don;t have many pest problems but watch for scale or spider mites. View on AMAZON Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback! Elyssa GoinsElyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail previous post Weeping Fig Ficus Tree (Ficus benjamina): Plant Care and Growing Guide – House Plants Expert next post Understanding Rhizomes and Plants: Definition & Examples 0 0 votes Article Rating Subscribe Login Notify of new follow-up comments new replies to my comments Label Name* Email* Website Δ Label Name* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. 2 Comments Oldest Newest Most Voted Inline Feedbacks View all comments SCOTT 6 months ago BOUGHT A SAGO PALM FROM WALMART. I WANT TO MAKE IT INTO A BONSAI DISPLAY. IT HAS 3 8 INCH FRONDS. A FEW WEEKS LATER I NOTICED THAT IT WAS PRODUCING MORE FRONDS. THOSE 3 TURNED INTO 24 INCH SOFT FRONDS. IT NOW DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A BONSAI. IS THIS NORMAL? CAN I CUT THEM OFF? Elyssa Goins Author Reply to SCOTT 6 months ago You sure can! Cut them close to the trunk any way you see fit.
