Cycas

cycas

( SYE - kas )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of Cycads is native to Asia, Oceania, and east Africa. The best-known species, Cycas revoluta, is used commonly as either an indoor plant or landscape ornamental. These are evergreen trees, and can be used in the landscape similar to how Palms are used. These are some of the oldest surviving plants on earth; the genus has been estimated to be approximately 320 million years old. Take care when planting these trees in your landscape; most plant parts are toxic to humans and animals.

Cycas Species and Varietals

Cycas is the type genus of the plant family Cycadaceae, and includes 119 distinct species. The best growing zones for Cycas vary depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Cycas apoa (Irian Cycad, Apo Cycad)
This species is native to New Guinea and reaches just over 8 feet tall at maturity. Leaves are hairy and orange when young and mature into full-sized green, glossy leaves. These trees put on between 1 and 2 feet of growth per year under optimal conditions. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11, preferring warm, tropical conditions.

Cycas circinalis (Queen Sago, Queen Sago Palm, East Indian Sago Palm, Malabari Supari, Eenthu Pana, Madana Kama Raja, Mund Isalu, Fern Palm)
This species is endemic to Southern India and Sri Lanka, and is widely cultivated in Hawai'i as an ornamental landscaping plant. It is considered endangered in India. This species is the type species of the genus Cycas and was the first Cycas species to be described in western literature. The species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, and requires protection from frost.

Cycas inermis (Cycas revoluta var. inermis) (Thiên Tuế, Tuế lá Quyết)
This species is native to central and southern Vietnam and reach between 5 and 14 feet tall at maturity. It is considered vulnerable to extinction. The specific epithet inermis translates to 'unarmed', referring to the smaller than normal spines on leaf petioles in this species. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.

Cycas micronesica (Federico Nut, Fadang, Micronesian Cycad, Trongkon Fadang, Kokealremiang)
This species was originally described by Ken Hill in 1994, and typically reaches between 6.5 and 16 feet tall, but can reach up to 50 feet tall in its native environment. The trunks of older trees are marked with rings of frond scars. Leaves are bluish-green when new, and mature to glossy green when fully grown. Federico Nut trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Cycas multipinnata (Epicycas multipinnata) (Royal Sago)
This species, native to China and Vietnam, grows from tuber and has extremely long leaf stalks (up to 12 feet). Total length of fronds can stretch to 23 feet. Green foliage is divided and somewhat fern-like. Royal Sago Palms are considered highly endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection. It is a rare, highly valued plant for collectors, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b.

Cycas panzhihaensis (Dukou Sago Palm, Panzhihua Sago Palm, Hardy Sago, Panzhihua Tree)
These Cycas are native to China and are kept in botanical collections as well as used as ornamental landscaping plants in the region surrounding their native range. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-11b, eventually reaching up to 4-8 feet tall at maturity.

Cycas pectinata (Assam Cycas, Cycad Palm, Pectinate Cycad, Himalayan Sago, Hundred Year Tree, Nagphal, Nagchampa, Tahakal, Kalawal, Miniraj, Cây thiên tuế, Tuế lược)
This species is native to northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, northern Burma, southern China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Cambodia, northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Trees can reach upwards of 40 feet tall and produce very large yellow-orange male cones. Leaves are dark green and glossy. This species is suited for USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b.

Cycas revoluta (Cycas taitungensis) (Sotetsu, Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, Japanese Sago Palm)
This species is native to southern Japan (including the Ryukyu Islands), and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. This is the main species from which Sago is extracted, and it is also used as an ornamental plant in landscaping projects. The Latin specific epithet revoluta means 'curled back', referring to the open, spreading crown of recurved leaves. Foliage is glossy and deep green. These plants can reach up to between 3 and 10 feet tall in containers, and between 10 and 15 feet tall when planted directly in the ground.

Cycas thouarsii (Madagascar Cycad, Madagascar Sago, Madagaskarsikadee, Malagasy Cycad, Tree-Like Cycad)
This species was named for French botanist Louis-Marie Aubert du Petit-Thouars. These trees can reach between 13 and 33 feet tall at maturity. Leaves are pinnate and dark green; newer foliage is tinted blue. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11.

Caring for Cycas

These trees are best in full sun to partial shade, though the foliage of some species will tend to burn if sunlight is too direct during the warmest parts of the day (typically between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. They need very well-draining soil to perform well; if local soils are overly clayey, the planting site will need to be amended with plenty of organic material before trees can be installed. These trees typically prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be damaged in lower temperatures and frost. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings for mature trees; provide regular waterings for new installations. These trees do not need to be fertilized; if they seem to be struggling, however, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during spring and summertime. Avoid over-fertilizing these palms, as doing so will damage the plant. Pruning is very simple; remove any yellow or dead leaves as needed to keep the tree looking tidy and healthy. Pruning can also promote new growth.

Growing Cycas Trees in Containers
If growing these trees in containers, use a well-draining potting mix; one designed for succulents or cacti works well, or regular potting mix can be amended with plenty of organic material and perlite. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot issues and the death of the tree. Reduce waterings over the winter months when trees are in their dormant growth stage. Cycas trees will need to be repotted every few years when plants outgrow their containers. Choose a slightly larger pot and provide fresh soil during the repotting process.

Propagation

Cycas can be propagated either by replanting divisions or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it may not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Cycas by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds are contained inside of the fruits produced by Cycas trees when they reach 10 or 15 years of age. Before this time, the trees are not mature enough to produce viable seeds. A point to consider before using this method of propagation is whether there is a male and female tree in close proximity. Otherwise, fruits will not produce viable seeds. Fruits on Cycas trees are produced from cones, and are bright orange to red (sometimes yellowish) with a fleshy, soft seed coat. Harvest fruits from trees in September or October; seeds need to be planted fresh because they have no dormancy.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks from the date of sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Cycas by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots, and sever the offshoot's connection with its parent plant.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided tubers about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout!