Common name: |
Sago palm, Japanese sago palm, Funeral palm |
|
Botanical Name: |
Cycas revoluta |
Family: |
Cycadaceae |
Foliage: |
Leaves
are pinnate and are composed of a rigid midrib with
glossy leaflets arranged in a plane along its length.
These leaflets are revolute which means that they
curl under along their edge - this attribute provides
the plant's species name. |
Flowers: |
The
palms might be 15 years before they bloom. The female
inflorescence is feather like, later forming a tightly
packed seed head, closely covered by whitish miniature
leaves. The male cone is pineapple shaped. Seeds
are brownish-red, the shape of a flattened marble,
about 30 mm( 1.25 ins) across. |
Light: |
It
grows well in full sun or outdoor shade, but needs
bright light when grown indoors. It needs to be
grown in bright light all the year long. |
Temperature: |
It
requires hot summers with mean temperatures of 30
to 35 °C for successful growth. |
Soil: |
It
grows best in sandy, well-drained soil. It needs
good drainage or it will rot. |
Humidity: |
It
is a drought tolerant plant. |
Watering: |
It does not like to be over-watered. Let the soil
dry out before watering. |
Pest and Problems: |
It
is usually free from pests but can occasionally
get into problems with scale
or mealybug. |
Growth habit: |
The
plant is very slow growing requiring about 50 years
to achieve a height of 10-12 feet. As the plant
matures branching of the thick stem may occur which
only adds to the interest and charm of this beauty. |
Fertilizing: |
Apply
slow release fertilizer granules or diluted liquid
fertilizers. Strong fertilizers, fresh manure and
the like are best avoided as they can damage the
sago's coralloid roots. |
Pruning: |
Pruning
is not required to be done. |
Propagation: |
Propagation
is done from the seeds and more commonly by division
of the offshoots ‘ known as pups’ which
develop on the main trunk. |
Special Care: |
As
the plant is very hardy, no special care is required
for the plant. |
Landscaping Utility: |
The
plant is generally used as a specimen plant. |
Uses: |
Potted
plant, specimen plant |
Click
here to locate a nursery to buy this plant. |