Sago palm care guide
Cycas revoluta
Also known as: Japanese sago palm, King sago
Pets and children
Considered toxic
All parts, and the seeds above all, are poisonous to dogs and cats: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhea followed by liver damage, so keep it out of reach and contact a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) right away if any is eaten.
How often to water Sago palm
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- Drought-tolerant: as a guide, water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out well; in the ground, rain is usually enough.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Growth stops, so water only about a few days after the soil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Keep it nearly dry, moistening the soil lightly about once a month on a mild day.
Light and placement for Sago palm
Full sun outdoors all year is generally best; in shade the new leaves come out long and weak, and indoors it needs the brightest window.
Overwintering Sago palm
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Fairly hardy: on the Kanto and Kansai plains it generally overwinters outdoors; where it drops below -5°C, wrap the crown in straw or fleece, and move pots under eaves and keep them dry.
Fertilizing and repotting Sago palm
Fertilizer
It needs little feeding: about one dose of slow-release fertilizer around April to May and another in July; too much damages the roots.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Sago palm
- Overwatering in winter rots the roots and the inside of the trunk.
- In a dark room the new leaves stretch and fail to open properly.
- Scale insects on the leaf undersides cause yellowing.
Tips for growing Sago palm
- A flush of new leaves comes in early summer; leave the pot in place while they unfurl so they open evenly.
- Cut yellowed old leaves off at the base to keep the plant tidy.
- The seeds are especially poisonous, so remove any fruit as soon as it forms.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
