Sago Palm

Cycas revolutaAlso known as: King Sago, Japanese Sago Palm, Cycad

The Sago Palm is actually not a palm but a prehistoric cycad that has survived since the dinosaur age. Native to Japan, its stiff, feathery fronds emerge from a pineapple-like trunk, creating a dramatic tropical look. Very slow-growing, it reaches 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) indoors over many years.

Moderate Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
50-85°F (10-29°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 10-14 days, when soil is mostly dry
Summer	Every 7-10 days
Fall	Every 14 days
Winter	Every 3-4 weeks, very drought tolerant

Extremely drought tolerant. Overwatering causes root rot. Let soil dry between waterings.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Monthly with palm fertilizer
Summer	Monthly
Fall	No fertilizing
Winter	No fertilizing

Light feeder - use slow-release palm fertilizer with micronutrients.

Pruning

Frequency: Remove only dead or yellowing fronds

Best Season: Any time

Cut dead fronds close to trunk. Wear gloves - fronds have sharp spines.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 3-5 years

Best Season: Spring

Very slow grower - rarely needs repotting. Use well-draining cactus mix.

Flowering

Season
Rarely indoors, produces cones rather than flowers

Color
Brown/tan cone structures

Male and female cones on separate plants. Very rare indoors.

Propagation Methods

Offsets (pups) from base of mature plants
Seed propagation (extremely slow)

Common Problems

Yellow fronds: Overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or natural aging
Scale insects: Common pest - treat with horticultural oil
Brown leaf tips: Underwatering or cold damage
Slow growth: Normal - may only produce one new flush of fronds per year

Pro Tips

HIGHLY TOXIC to pets - all parts are dangerous if ingested
Living fossil - cycads existed before flowering plants evolved
Can live for over 100 years
New fronds emerge all at once from center in dramatic flush

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