Commonly known as the Sago palm, the exotic-looking cycad is a remnant of the age of dinosaurs. Growing cycads is easy if you give them the right conditions. These slow-growing plants are found around the world in warm, arid areas. They are impressive in the garden or on your sun porch.
A common name for them is Sago palm. This plant has a woody stem that can grow entirely underground or several feet above it. They are usually three to five feet tall but may be as tall as ten. Their leaves form a rosette at the crown, as the side leaves fall off. Seed is produced in cones in female cycads; the male plant also has a cone but it produces pollen. Pollination is done by different species of beetle.
Many of the species of cycad are extinct. Those found today are native to many warm, dry areas of the world. They come from China and Japan, from Australia and Africa, and from Mexico and Central America. Many islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean have them, too. Some resemble ferns, with deeply lobed fronds, while others look like a palm.
In its native lands, it's a hardy evergreen. It prefers dry, rocky soil because it must have complete drainage. Its tuberous roots rot quickly in saturated soil. It will do well in a terra cotta pot, but it doesn't like to dry out completely; the soil should be kept moist but never water-logged. A potted plant will not have to be moved to a larger pot very often, since the plants seem to prefer being root-bound.
In the garden, these hardy plants like twice a week watering in summer. In winter, they need little extra attention. They require light fertilizing four times a year to flourish. Look for a special palm food that contains phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
Several species of cycad have blue leaves. This is because the plants produce a waxy coating which slows evaporation through the leaves in periods of drought. Even these 'blue' species turn green in humid conditions or in greenhouses, since the plants no longer need to produce the wax. If you can give them low humidity, you can enjoy carious shades from silvery-white to deeper blue.
Inside, the plant should be given as much natural light as possible. They should not be close to a source of heat. A room, like a sun porch, with low humidity and a temperature in the 70 degree range is ideal. The potted plants can be kept outside year round in tropical or sub-tropical zones. Northern gardeners need to keep them indoors in the colder months.
These are impressive plants which attract attention inside or out. There are about 300 kinds to choose from, but the blue-green varieties are most popular. If they are given the right conditions - regular watering, excellent drainage, and a light sandy soil - they can give years of pleasure. Under these conditions, they are easy to care for, so if you like the exotic appearance you should definitely try one of these remnants of the prehistoric era.
A common name for them is Sago palm. This plant has a woody stem that can grow entirely underground or several feet above it. They are usually three to five feet tall but may be as tall as ten. Their leaves form a rosette at the crown, as the side leaves fall off. Seed is produced in cones in female cycads; the male plant also has a cone but it produces pollen. Pollination is done by different species of beetle.
Many of the species of cycad are extinct. Those found today are native to many warm, dry areas of the world. They come from China and Japan, from Australia and Africa, and from Mexico and Central America. Many islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean have them, too. Some resemble ferns, with deeply lobed fronds, while others look like a palm.
In its native lands, it's a hardy evergreen. It prefers dry, rocky soil because it must have complete drainage. Its tuberous roots rot quickly in saturated soil. It will do well in a terra cotta pot, but it doesn't like to dry out completely; the soil should be kept moist but never water-logged. A potted plant will not have to be moved to a larger pot very often, since the plants seem to prefer being root-bound.
In the garden, these hardy plants like twice a week watering in summer. In winter, they need little extra attention. They require light fertilizing four times a year to flourish. Look for a special palm food that contains phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
Several species of cycad have blue leaves. This is because the plants produce a waxy coating which slows evaporation through the leaves in periods of drought. Even these 'blue' species turn green in humid conditions or in greenhouses, since the plants no longer need to produce the wax. If you can give them low humidity, you can enjoy carious shades from silvery-white to deeper blue.
Inside, the plant should be given as much natural light as possible. They should not be close to a source of heat. A room, like a sun porch, with low humidity and a temperature in the 70 degree range is ideal. The potted plants can be kept outside year round in tropical or sub-tropical zones. Northern gardeners need to keep them indoors in the colder months.
These are impressive plants which attract attention inside or out. There are about 300 kinds to choose from, but the blue-green varieties are most popular. If they are given the right conditions - regular watering, excellent drainage, and a light sandy soil - they can give years of pleasure. Under these conditions, they are easy to care for, so if you like the exotic appearance you should definitely try one of these remnants of the prehistoric era.
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