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Sago Palm

Name: Sago Palm
Brand: Cycas
Availability: InStock

Cycas revoluta

$42.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

96 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived (over 100 years)

Native To

Southern Japan

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans, dogs, and cats

The Story

Plant Bio

Cycas revoluta is a very slow-growing, evergreen cycad, often called a 'living fossil' due to its ancient lineage. It features a thick, shaggy trunk topped with a rosette of stiff, glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves. Despite its common name, the Sago Palm is not a true palm but a cycad, more closely related to conifers. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are extremely toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a powerful, architectural, and tropical statement in the landscape or as a container plant. Its symmetrical form and deep green, feather-like leaves create a dramatic focal point with year-round interest.

It is extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It can be grown as a houseplant in colder climates, bringing a touch of the exotic indoors.

In its native habitat, it provides structure, but its ecological role in non-native gardens is limited. Its primary value is ornamental. The toxicity of the plant deters most wildlife from feeding on it.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a spot with bright, indirect light or some direct sun.
Use a fast-draining soil mix, like a cactus or palm potting mix.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill and water thoroughly, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Do not overwater, as this is the primary cause of failure.

Pro Tip

Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; amend soil with sand or grit to prevent root rot, the most common issue.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Fertilize with a slow-release palm fertilizer containing micronutrients.
Protect from hard frosts in colder zones.

Don't

Don't overwater or let the plant sit in soggy soil.
Don't plant it deeper than it was in its nursery pot.
Don't remove yellowing fronds until they are completely brown; the plant is reabsorbing nutrients.
Don't plant where pets or small children might ingest any part of it.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic architectural specimen for courtyardsBold texture in tropical and xeriscape gardensSymmetrical accent for formal entryways and containers

Companion Plants

Agave attenuata Cordyline australis 'Red Star' Phormium tenax Yucca filamentosa Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sago Palm questions

What zones can Sago Palm grow in?

Sago Palm 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.

Is Sago Palm deer resistant?

Yes — Sago Palm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sago Palm bloom?

Sago Palm typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sago Palm need full sun?

Sago Palm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sago Palm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sago Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.