Sago Palm Tree (Cycas)

Botanical Name: Cycas revoluta

Sago Palm belongs to one of the oldest-known plant families and is one of the most majestic. Despite its common name, it's not really a palm but a Cycad, one of the most primitive of plant families that covered the earth during the age of dinosaurs 200 million years ago.

This tropical plant is extremely slow-growing, but over many years develops a substantial trunk.

Topping the trunk is a rosette of shiny, stiff, narrow fronds arching slightly at their tips. Although the rigid leaves appear tough, they are easily damaged and should be handled carefully.

Sago Palm care is easy if you keep a few things in mind. It doesn't like its feet wet, so keep the soil on the dry side. Give it light every day and fertilize lightly during the growing season.

This plant doesn't really like to be disturbed, so repot only when necessary. Pruning can be done anytime to remove dead fronds.

Sago Palm problems are usually related to watering. Yellowing leaves are often caused by overwatering. Follow the watering instructions below to avoid crown rot. It's almost impossible to treat and plants may not recover. Scale insects are the most common pest. Look over your plant often for scale and treat any infestation immediately with insecticide.

CAUTION: All parts of this plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets that may play with or ingest this plant.