Cycas revoluta aka Sago Palm
Taxonomy
Cycas revoluta, also known as Sotetsu, sago palm, king sago, sago cycad, or Japanese sago palm, is a slow-growing gymnosperm in the Cycadaceae family. It is native to southern Japan, including the Ryukyu Islands, and is used for the production of sago and as an ornamental plant. The plant is very symmetrical and has a thick shaggy trunk that is typically 20 cm in diameter, sometimes wider. It can take 50-100 years to reach its maximum height of 6-7 meters. The leaves are a deep semiglossy green and grow out into a feather-like rosette that can reach 1 meter in diameter. The plant is dioecious, with males bearing pollen cones and females bearing groups of megasporophylls. Cycas revoluta is often mistaken for a palm, but it is actually most closely related to pine trees. These evergreen perennials were once found all over the world during the Jurassic period but are now threatened worldwide, with almost all species listed as threatened by the IUCN Redlist.
Common names
Sago Palm, Sago Cycad, Sago CycasHow to care for Sago Palm
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Sago Palm, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Sago Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Sago Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Sago Palm prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Sago Palm plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Sago Palm does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The Sago Palm is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Sago Palm’s native range is Old World.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Cycas Genus
