Sago Palm Cycas revoluta
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the sago palm is not a true palm but a cycad, a type of plant that dates back to ancient times. Despite its name, the sago palm resembles a small palm or fern. This slow-growing plant is notable for its rosette of glossy, dark green leaves that emerge in a circular pattern from the top of the trunk. The leaves are stiff and have a feathery appearance, with numerous pointed, narrow leaflets arranged on both sides of the central midrib. They arch gracefully outward and downward, creating a dramatic visual effect that is often prized in landscape design. The sago palm's trunk is thick and shaggy, appearing rough textured from the old leaf bases that remain attached after the leaves have withered and dropped. The plant has a crown at the top of its trunk from where the new leaves emerge. When the plant matures, it may produce reproductive structures known as cones. The male cones are elongated and typically emerge from the center of the crown, while the female cones, when present, are rounder and can be found nestled among the leaves. These plants are often used as ornamental specimens in gardens, and their prehistoric look provides an exotic touch to landscapes. They are commonly seen as potted plants and are prized for their distinctive foliage and overall appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cycadaceae.
Synonyms
Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, Japanese Sago Palm.
Common names
Cycas miquelii, Epicycas miquelii, Cycas revoluta var. brevifrons, Cycas revoluta var. planifolia, Cycas revoluta var. prolifera.
ToxicityTo humans
The Sago Palm is toxic to humans if ingested. It contains cycasin, which is a neurotoxic glycoside. Eating any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, liver failure. It is particularly hazardous if the seeds are consumed, as they contain the highest concentration of toxin.
To pets
The Sago Palm is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the seeds, can lead to severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and potentially liver failure. The toxicity can result in severe illness or death, so immediate veterinary attention is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2-6 feet (0.6-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Palm
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Beauty: Cycas revoluta, commonly known as Sago Palm, is widely appreciated for its unique and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice in ornamental landscaping and as a decorative houseplant.
- Drought Tolerance: Sago Palm is extremely drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone regions.
- Low Maintenance: It has a slow growth rate and requires little maintenance in terms of pruning or fertilization, making it a convenient choice for both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Pest Resistance: Sago Palms are resistant to most pests, decreasing the need for chemical treatments and fostering a more natural garden environment.
- Longevity: These plants are known for their exceptional longevity, sometimes living for over a century, thus providing an enduring landscaping element.
- Shade Tolerance: Sago Palm can grow in a variety of light conditions, including shaded areas where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Soil Adaptability: They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, although they prefer well-draining soil, they can tolerate less than ideal soil conditions.
- Coastal Resilience: The Sago Palm is tolerant to salt and wind, making it a suitable choice for coastal landscapes exposed to sea breezes and salty air.
- Architectural Structure: Its distinctive symmetrical rosette of leaves and stout trunk add architectural interest to garden landscapes and indoor spaces.
- Symbolism and Cultural Significance: Sago Palm is often associated with longevity and fortitude, providing cultural and aesthetic value beyond its physical beauty.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sago Palm starch can be used in gluten-free cooking as a thickening agent for soups and sauces, similar to cornstarch.
- The pith of Sago Palm is sometimes used to make a Japanese sweet called "sago dango," which is a type of dumpling made from sago starch.
- Leaves of the Sago Palm are used for thatching roofs and making mats, baskets, and fans in traditional crafts in some Asian countries.
- The seeds of Sago Palm can be polished and used as decorative beads in jewelry making.
- Fibre from Sago Palm leaves can be extracted and woven into textiles or used to make ropes and other cordage.
- The stiff, durable fronds are sometimes used as tools for gardening, such as makeshift rakes or to spread mulch.
- The plant can be used in landscaping to prevent soil erosion due to its deep root system.
- The trunks of mature Sago Palms, when hollowed out, have been used as water conduits or temporary storage containers.
- Landscape architects can use Sago Palm for xeriscaping purposes, as it is drought-tolerant once established.
- The shells of the seeds, after seed extraction, are sometimes used in the production of biofuel or as a biomass for composting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sago Palm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sago Palm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Sago Palm is known for its slow growth rate and long lifespan, often living for many years, which symbolizes endurance and the ability to withstand the test of time.
- Resilience: Able to survive in a wide range of conditions and tolerant to drought, the Sago Palm represents resilience and adaptability to challenging circumstances.
- Prehistoric Beauty: As a living fossil, the Sago Palm symbolizes ancient beauty and a connection to the Earth's distant past.
- Cyclical Life: The cyclical nature of this plant's growth, with new fronds emerging cyclically, symbolizes the ongoing cycle of life, regeneration, and renewal.
WaterThe Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Generally, watering every one to two weeks is sufficient, but this may vary depending on the climate and the plant's environment. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the soil to the root level, which could be around one to two gallons for a medium-sized plant in a pot. During the growth season in spring and summer, the Sago Palm may require more frequent waterings, while in the fall and winter, waterings should be reduced to prevent root rot.
LightThe Sago Palm thrives best in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but should be protected during the hottest parts of the day to prevent leaf burn. The ideal spot for a Sago Palm is a location where it receives several hours of morning sunlight and shade in the afternoon.
TemperatureSago Palms prefer temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. They also can tolerate high temperatures as long as they are not in direct, scorching sun.
PruningPruning a Sago Palm mainly involves removing old, yellow, or brown fronds to maintain its appearance and health. It should be pruned cautiously and only when necessary, typically once a year. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sago Palm prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix consists of one part organic matter like peat or coco coir, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite or pumice for optimal drainage and root health.
RepottingSago Palms should be repotted every two to three years to ensure they have enough room to grow and to refresh the soil. Young plants may need repotting more frequently, while mature specimens can be repotted less often.
Humidity & MistingSago Palms can tolerate a range of humidity levels but prefer moderate to high humidity. They thrive best when indoor humidity levels are maintained around 40-50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sago Palm near a bright window, away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleCycas revoluta, commonly known as the sago palm, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in a warm, moist environment, producing a root, which eventually develops into a bulb-like structure known as a caudex. As the plant matures, it grows a rosette of pinnate leaves from the center of the caudex, which unfurl to form a crown resembling a palm tree. The sago palm is dioecious, meaning it produces male and female reproductive structures on separate plants; the male produces a cone-like structure and the female develops megasporophylls that hold ovules. After pollination, which is often aided by wind or insects, the female plant produces seeds encased in a fleshy coat. These seeds can be dispersed by animals or gravity and, upon finding suitable conditions, will sprout to continue the life cycle. The large, slow-growing sago palm can live for many years, even decades, often producing new leaves and reproductive structures periodically.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, is typically propagated by seed or by removal of offsets, also known as "pups". However, the most popular method of propagation is through the removal of offsets. This is usually done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. When a Sago Palm produces offsets, they grow at the base of the trunk. Using a sharp, clean knife, these pups can be carefully removed, ensuring a portion of the base is attached to carry the necessary nutrients for new growth. After removal, the offsets should be allowed to dry for a few days to form a callous over the cuts, which helps to prevent rot. Once dry, the pups can be potted in well-draining soil and kept in a shaded area until roots develop, after which they can gradually be introduced to more sunlight.