Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
Bright, indirect to partial sun
Low to moderate; allow to dry between waterings
Easy to moderate
Up to 3-5 ft indoors
Details
🪴 Plant Type
Cycad (ancient gymnosperm), not a true palm
🌍 Native Region
Southern Japan and parts of China
📈 Growth Habit
Upright, symmetrical crown of stiff, feathery fronds emerging from a central trunk
📐 Size
Indoors: Up to 3-5 feet tall
Outdoors: Can reach 10-12 feet tall
Spread: 3-5 feet
🌸 Bloom Time
Rarely blooms indoors; produces cone-like structures when mature outdoors
Care Requirements
☀️ Light
Bright indirect light to partial sun. Can tolerate some direct sunlight but prefers filtered light
💧 Water
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Water deeply but infrequently. Sensitive to overwatering and root rot
🌍 Soil
Well-draining, sandy soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0)
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal: 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Can tolerate brief periods down to 25°F (-4°C) but prefers warmer conditions
🧪 Fertilizer
Feed with a slow-release palm or cycad fertilizer 2-3 times per year during growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas
Additional Information
🌱 Propagation Methods
Propagated primarily via seeds or by removing pups (offsets) from the base of mature plants
🐛 Common Problems
Yellowing fronds: Often from overwatering. Scale insects, spider mites. Sensitive to fluoride in water
🌿 Companion Plants
Pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like: Snake Plant (Sansevieria), ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), various succulents
⚠️ Special Notes
HIGHLY TOXIC to humans and pets if ingested! All parts contain cycasin, which can cause liver damage. Very slow-growing plant - may only produce 1-2 new fronds per year. Can live for decades or even centuries with proper care