The Story
Plant Bio
Macrozamia moorei, commonly known as Moore's cycad, is a massive, palm-like evergreen cycad endemic to Queensland that develops a stout, upright trunk up to seven metres tall. The trunk is crowned by a symmetrical, spreading canopy of rigid, gracefully arching, deep blue-green fronds that can reach two and a half metres in length.
This slow-growing species is distinguished by its massive barrel-shaped female cones that split to reveal large seeds wrapped in a bright scarlet-red fleshy layer. The lower leaflets along the leaf stalks are progressively reduced to sharp, protective spines.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
275 inches
Width
189 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Centuries
Native To
Australia (Queensland)
Toxicity
Highly toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Summer – Autumn
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in a position with exceptional drainage, such as a raised bed, rocky slope, or sandy loam.
- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering cycles to prevent root rot.
- Apply a low-phosphorus native or palm fertiliser once a year in early spring.
- Remove only completely dead, brown fronds close to the base, leaving green foliage intact.
Pro Tip
Never prune green fronds or damage the central growing point, as this species grows from a single apical meristem and cannot regenerate if the crown is destroyed.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely.
- Protect young plants from intense, direct midday sun.
- Wear thick gloves when handling to avoid injury from sharp petiole spines.
Don't
- Never over-water or allow water to pool around the base.
- Do not prune green fronds or cut into the central growing point.
- Avoid planting in heavy clay soils.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Moore's Cycad questions
What zones can Moore's Cycad grow in?
Moore's Cycad is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Moore's Cycad bloom?
Moore's Cycad typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Moore's Cycad need full sun?
Moore's Cycad does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Moore's Cycad drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Moore's Cycad handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Moore's Cycad with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.