Botanical Name: Cycas revoluta
Common Names: Sago Palm, King Sago, Japanese Sago Palm
๐ Product Description
Cycas revoluta is a slow-growing, architectural cycad prized for its symmetrical rosette of stiff, glossy, dark green fronds. Despite its common name, it is not a true palm, but an ancient cycad species dating back millions of years.
The plant forms a thick, textured trunk over time, crowned with radiating feather-like leaves. New growth appears in dramatic flushes, emerging soft and light green before hardening off.
Highly ornamental and long-lived, Cycas revoluta is ideal as a feature plant in pots, courtyards, and formal landscapes across South Africa.
๐ Size When Fully Grown
Height: 1 โ 3 m (very slow growing)
Spread: 1 โ 2 m
Growth Habit: Upright, trunk-forming cycad
Growth Rate: Very slow
๐ฑ Best Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
Water:
Water moderately during active growth
Allow soil to dry slightly between watering
Reduce watering in winter
Avoid waterlogged conditions, especially in containers.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring for best growth.
Maintenance:
Remove old, yellowing fronds
Handle carefully โ sharp leaf tips
Protect young plants from heavy frost
๐ฆ๏ธ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)
Best Planting Time: Spring or early summer
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Dormancy: Slows in winter
Climate Suitability: Suitable for most South African regions
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost; protect from severe frost
๐ผ Additional Benefits
Highly architectural focal plant
Extremely long-lived
Drought tolerant once established
Low maintenance
Excellent container specimen
๐ฟ Ideal Uses
โ Feature container plant
โ Formal garden focal point
โ Courtyard specimen
โ Entrance statement plant
โ Rock and Mediterranean-style gardens