Also known as Sago Palm · 20 saves
Cycas
Cycas, the genus most gardeners know as sago palm. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Cycas varieties
Species of Cycas
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cycas in Sow
Save the Cycas you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cycas
Whats common across all Cycas varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Cycas year
- PruneJanuary–November100% of varieties
Remove completely brown, dead lower fronds as they dry out naturally to maintain a clean trunk.
- FertilizeMarch, April and June100% of varieties
Apply a slow-release native or general low-phosphorus fertiliser sparingly around the root zone.
- Check for PestsApril–August100% of varieties
Inspect the dense foliage and leaf bases for scale insects and mealybugs.
Do
- Water sparingly and only when the soil has dried out completely to prevent root rot.
- Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus native fertiliser around the drip line in early spring.
- Wear gloves when handling the plant to protect against the sharp spines on the leaflets.
- Provide full sun for vigorous growth 🌞
- Water sparingly once established 💧
Avoid
- Expose to frost without protection ❄️
- Do not prune off green fronds prematurely, as this starves the plant of stored energy.
- Never allow the soil to become waterlogged or boggy.
- Do not plant where pets or livestock can access and ingest the highly toxic seeds or foliage.
What goes wrong with Cycas
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | White or brown waxy bumps on leaf undersides, yellowing foliage, and sticky honeydew deposits. | Apply horticultural oils or systemic insecticides during the cooler parts of the day. |
| Mealybugs | Cottony white masses in the leaf joints and crevices, causing stunted growth and leaf yellowing. | Spray with a direct stream of water or treat with insecticidal soap or systemic controls. |
| Cycad Aulacaspis Scale | White, waxy insects that look like a crust on fronds, causing yellow blotches and eventual death. | Scrub off with a brush and soapy water. Apply horticultural oil. For severe cases, systemic insecticides like dinotefuran may be needed. |
| Root rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Phytophthora root rot | Sudden collapse of the crown, yellowing leaves, and a soft, decaying base of the trunk. | Ensure immaculate drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply a systemic fungicide if detected early. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing, wilting fronds and a soft, rotting trunk base. | Caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Usually fatal. Prevention is the only cure. |
Making more Cycas
Seed
- Collect ripe orange-yellow seeds, wearing protective gloves to avoid contact with toxic compounds.
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours and remove the fleshy outer sarcotesta.
- Sow the cleaned seeds horizontally in a well-draining mix of sand and perlite, burying them halfway.
- Maintain a warm, damp environment and expect germination to take several months to a year.
Seed propagation
- Extract seeds from mature cones
- Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours
- Plant in well-draining soil in spring
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks
- Maintain warm temperatures for germination
Cycas questions
How many types of Cycas are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Cycas varieties. The most popular — ranked by 20 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cycas grow in?
Across its varieties, Cycas covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cycas bloom?
Most Cycas varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cycas should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.