Cyca revoluta Size: Sold in a 3 litre pot (40cm tall)

Size: 3 litre pot.
Common Name: Sago palm.
Situation: Full/Part sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Indoor/Conservatory.
Eventual Height and Spread: 1.5m x 1m.
Larger sizes available.

Although its leaves may be palm-like in appearance - thus its name - the sago palm is actually a cycad. A 'living fossil'the ancient sago palm was once the staple diet of dinosaurs. Also known as the cyca revoluta, this impact plant is known for its iconic prehistoric appearance, it's architecural shape and a stunning set of near perfect fronds. During the growing season, the sago palm can be placed outside, although it is best to keep it in its pot to ensure it can be moved back indoors easily before the end of Autumn. Look for a situation that is light but not in full sun from noon to 3pm when the sunlight is at it's harshest, this will cause the fronds to bleach. The sago palm does very well as an interior plant and again benefits from a light open situation but away from the harsh midday sun. Cyca revoluta should be kept no more than moist throughout the growing season and watered only occasionally through winter. In terms of feeding, look to apply a balanced liquid feed monthly from mid-April to September, this helps to keep the fronds strong and healthy

The fronds on the Cyca revoluta will give you some indication as to it's well-being:
- The old fronds may turn yellow from over watering or too much fertilizer.
- New fronds may turn yellow from excess fertilizer or poor soil conditions.

Once the fronds lose condition remove them.

Give the Sago palm and tidy-up once a year removing old fronds that have lost condition, this should help to stimulate new fronds from the centre.

Those wanting to create a comprehensive exotic display should consider teaming it up with some indoor palms to add variation and structure. Pygmy date palms (Phoenix roebelenii) is a palm that works well alongside the Sago Palm.