Sago Palm care

[PashkaTLT]

Hello guys,

Here's the info I gathered from multiple sources. Please see and share if you want to add something or disagree on some points.

Soil

It grows best in sandy, well-drained soil, preferably with some organic matter. It needs good drainage or it will rot. Soil pH: Acidic (5.5–6.5)

Sago palms aren't overly picky about their soil, as long as they have good drainage. A sandy soil that's somewhat rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal. For container plants, a potting mix made for cactus or palms should be suitable.

Light

bright, indirect light

The leaves can bleach somewhat if moved from indoors to full sun outdoors.

Sago palms appreciate a warm and bright environment, though harsh sunlight can damage the foliage

The scorching afternoon sun can wilt and burn the foliage in the summertime, and too much shade can result in sparse leaves and an unhealthy plant.

When grown indoors, choose a bright east-, west-, or south-facing window. Indoor plants can be moved outside in warm weather as long as the container is in dappled sunlight.

Outdoors they appreciate a little shade on hot afternoons.

When growing a sago palm as a houseplant, put it in a south-facing window or another bright area. 

Temperature

It is tolerant of mild to somewhat cold temperatures, provided the ground is dry. Frost damage can occur at temperatures below −10 °C (14 °F). 

They can briefly tolerate cold temperatures, but frost can damage the foliage, and temperatures below 23 degrees Fahrenheit will likely kill the plant. 

Protect your sago palm from drafts and airflow from heating and air-conditioning vents; extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the plant.

When you grow a sago palm in a container outdoors, be ready to move the container indoors if the temperature is expected to drop to 50°F or lower.

Planting

When grown in the garden, plant them in the early spring or late fall. Generally, they grow larger when planted in the ground versus when they're in containers. 

Humidity

They like humidity, supplemented by misting them regularly with clean water from a spray bottle. These plants are sensitive to overwatering and poorly drained soil. So make sure the soil surface dries out in between waterings.

If they are allowed to dry out too often, the tips of the foliage may become brown and have some dieback.

Water

Sago palms have some drought tolerance, but they prefer a moderate amount of moisture in the soil. Water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, making sure never to overwater to the point of soggy soil. Slightly reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.

---

My main question for now (because I see some contradicting info) is where do I put indoors and outdoors. What side (south/west/east) and how much sun?

Edited April 13, 2023 by PashkaTLT

[SeanK]

35 minutes ago, PashkaTLT said:

Hello guys,

Here's the info I gathered from multiple sources. Please see and share if you want to add something or disagree on some points.

Soil

It grows best in sandy, well-drained soil, preferably with some organic matter. It needs good drainage or it will rot. Soil pH: Acidic (5.5–6.5)

Sago palms aren't overly picky about their soil, as long as they have good drainage. A sandy soil that's somewhat rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal. For container plants, a potting mix made for cactus or palms should be suitable.

Light

bright, indirect light

The leaves can bleach somewhat if moved from indoors to full sun outdoors.

Sago palms appreciate a warm and bright environment, though harsh sunlight can damage the foliage

The scorching afternoon sun can wilt and burn the foliage in the summertime, and too much shade can result in sparse leaves and an unhealthy plant.

When grown indoors, choose a bright east-, west-, or south-facing window. Indoor plants can be moved outside in warm weather as long as the container is in dappled sunlight.

Outdoors they appreciate a little shade on hot afternoons.

When growing a sago palm as a houseplant, put it in a south-facing window or another bright area. 

Temperature

It is tolerant of mild to somewhat cold temperatures, provided the ground is dry. Frost damage can occur at temperatures below −10 °C (14 °F). 

They can briefly tolerate cold temperatures, but frost can damage the foliage, and temperatures below 23 degrees Fahrenheit will likely kill the plant. 

Protect your sago palm from drafts and airflow from heating and air-conditioning vents; extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the plant.

When you grow a sago palm in a container outdoors, be ready to move the container indoors if the temperature is expected to drop to 50°F or lower.

Planting

When grown in the garden, plant them in the early spring or late fall. Generally, they grow larger when planted in the ground versus when they're in containers. 

Humidity

They like humidity, supplemented by misting them regularly with clean water from a spray bottle. These plants are sensitive to overwatering and poorly drained soil. So make sure the soil surface dries out in between waterings.

If they are allowed to dry out too often, the tips of the foliage may become brown and have some dieback.

Water

Sago palms have some drought tolerance, but they prefer a moderate amount of moisture in the soil. Water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, making sure never to overwater to the point of soggy soil. Slightly reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.

---

My main question for now (because I see some contradicting info) is where do I put indoors and outdoors. What side (south/west/east) and how much sun?

Follow the regimen I gave you for the Chamaerhops humilis. Additionally, if you still get frost in May, place it under a tree or the soffit of the house.

[PashkaTLT]

Guys, any idea what this is on the soil surface? I just got this Sago Palm from Home Depot today.

[ChicagoPalma]

6 minutes ago, PashkaTLT said:

Guys, any idea what this is on the soil surface? I just got this Sago Palm from Home Depot today.

Root clump or fungus?

[pinktree1]

coralloid roots.

[Jubaea_James760]

Cycas revoulta (sago palm) can take insane amounts of sun. If your planting it in ground plant in your warmest spot up against your house. Winter sun exposure preferred. In a pot you'll definitely have to acclimate it from inside to outside because leaves could burn if thrown out into direct sunlight after being inside all winter.

23f will not kill this plant in the ground & below 50f outside while in a pot is ludicrous.  Try below 20f. But I'll probably bring in under 25f just to baby it.

I can't speak to much about indoor as I have zero experience with them inside but they're really tough plants. 

In ground they're super easy but being in zone 6b you'll have to try your best to keep it dry durning winter. Obviously with protect too.

Those are just coralloid roots. Completely normal for cycads. 

[PashkaTLT]

31 minutes ago, Jubaea_James760 said:

Cycas revoulta (sago palm) can take insane amounts of sun. If your planting it in ground plant in your warmest spot up against your house. Winter sun exposure preferred. In a pot you'll definitely have to acclimate it from inside to outside because leaves could burn if thrown out into direct sunlight after being inside all winter.

23f will not kill this plant in the ground & below 50f outside while in a pot is ludicrous.  Try below 20f. But I'll probably bring in under 25f just to baby it.

I can't speak to much about indoor as I have zero experience with them inside but they're really tough plants. 

In ground they're super easy but being in zone 6b you'll have to try your best to keep it dry durning winter. Obviously with protect too.

Those are just coralloid roots. Completely normal for cycads. 

Thank you!