How to grow and care for Sago Palm?

The sago palm usually resembles a tiny tree with its stiff and glossy fronds. However, it is not a palm tree at all! A sago palm is more related to a conifer and grows best in humid and warm conditions. These plants are easy to grow outdoors, in containers or indoors as houseplants. Sago palm is a reasonably low-growing plant with long green fronds that are cycads. Moreover, the sago palm is generally born in one symmetrical ring of leaves that emerges from the tip in an attractive bronze colour. The new leaves of sago palm are soft when they arise, but they take their signature stiffness as they expand and age.

See also: Sedge: Tips to grow, care

 

Sago palm: Key facts 

Botanical Name	Cycas revoluta
Family	Cycadaceae
Genus	Cycas
Plant type	Shrub
Size	3-10 feet
Native	Asia
Hardiness zones	9-10 (USDA)
Sun exposure	Full, partial
Soil type	Moist, sandy, but well-drained
Toxicity	Humans and pets
Soil pH	Acidic

 

When and how to plant sago palm?

The best time to grow sago palm is early spring to late winter when the plant is semi-dormant. You can select a container or pot slightly larger than the nursery pot and fill it halfway with garden soil amended with compost or well-draining potting soil. Transfer the plant to the container and backfill it while pressing down on the soil. Put in a bright but not full sun and water it well.

 

How to care for sago palm?

• Soil: Sago palms grow well in pots and containers as they generally like well-drained soil. So, you must use well-draining potting soil that is amended with organic matter or add compost to regular garden soil.
• Water: You should never overwater this drought-tolerant houseplant. Sago palms don’t appreciate being overly moist; they only like consistent humidity and moisture. 
• Sunlight: Sago palms highly appreciate indirect as well as bright sunlight. Both make it a perfect plant for a sunny windowsill in any house setting. They can also be a great container outdoor plant if provided with some shelter from direct sunlight. While they can grow in some shade, too much shade can risk rot and even cause this plant to have sparser foliage.
• Temperature: if you grow a sago palm in a container or pot outdoors, you should be ready to move the container indoors if the temperature is expected to drop to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
• Fertilisers: You can fertilise the sago palm twice a year in spring. You must also follow product label instructions for the amount to use.
• Pruning: Sago palm often does not require much trimming. You can simply cut off any sick, dead or damaged fronds when you notice them.
• Pest and diseases: Sago palms are highly pest-free and low-maintenance plants. However, a problematic insect known as scale that feeds on the leaves can cause damage to the plant. The best way to control scale is a systemic insecticide. 

 

How to propagate sago palm?

Sago palm can be easily propagated by division for faster results than seed planting. You need to separate the baby plant or offsets from the base of the parent plant to reduce crowding and promote better air circulation. You can even transplant it to an outdoor container in early spring or enjoy it as a houseplant.

 

Common problems with sago palm

Sago palms are easy to grow, but maintaining their health generally requires attention in specific conditions. Simple adjustments such as ensuring proper drainage, regulating the watering schedule and using suitable soil can highly contribute to their well-being.

Yellow leaves are the most common issue in sago palms as they are a natural part of the leaf lifecycle, but they can also signal manganese deficiency or an insect presence. However, properly addressing these problems on time may result in healthy new foliage.

In addition, resembling dirt or black spots on foliage may be sooty mould from insect secretions. You must wash them off to prevent the mould from affecting the plant’s ability to produce food through photosynthesis.

 

Sago palm: Toxicity 

Sago palms generally produce three different toxins: cycasin, beta-methylamino-L-alanine and an unidentified toxin. While all parts of sago palms are toxic, the seeds mainly contain a larger amount of cycasin than other parts of this plant. It is not uncommon for humans and pets like cats, dogs and horses to ingest or chew on the seeds as they can be victims of sago palms poisoning. So, you should always make sure to exercise extreme caution around small children and animals while thinking about bringing a sago palm into the home or yard.

 

FAQs

Is sago palm a palm tree?

The sago palm usually looks like a tiny palm tree with its stiff and glossy fronds. However, it is not a palm tree at all! A sago palm is more related to a conifer and grows best in humid and warm conditions.

What is the best place to grow sago palms?

These plants are easy and best to grow outdoors in containers in warm areas as well as indoors as houseplants.

What is the average size of a sago palm?

The sago palm can generally grow up to 3-10 feet tall.

Which soil is best for sago palms?

Sago palms grow well in pots and containers as they like well-drained soil.

Do sago palms require watering?

Sago palms don't appreciate being overly moist; they only like consistent humidity and moisture. So, you should always water this drought-tolerant houseplant.

Does sago palm require sunlight?

Sago palms highly appreciate indirect as well as bright sunlight. Both make it a perfect plant for a sunny windowsill in any house setting.

What is the best time to grow sago palms?

The best time to grow sago palm is early spring to late winter when the plant is semi-dormant.

What type of maintenance does sago palm generally require?

Simple adjustments such as ensuring proper drainage, regulating the watering schedule and using a suitable soil can highly contribute to their well-being.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com