What do I have and what's happening to it??

[slightlyleft]

I was gifted this cycad, but don't know what kind it is specifically. The branch that is currently twisting was already browning when it was given to me, but I was told to just cut the brown off for aesthetics. Since then the other leaves have begun to brown and the afore mentioned branch is now twisting. One set of leaves is also clumping together. Please help!

[Merlyn]

@slightlyleft I'd guess you have an Encephalartos Altensteinii, though there are several that look similar at that size.  The other names that pop into my head are Senticosus, Msinganus and Lebomboensis. 

Cycads are unlike most other plants in that they grow in a "flush" of several leaves all at once.  The older leaves were probably grown in a lot of shade, which is why there's a lot of distance between each leaflet.  The new leaves probably grew in a lot of sun, thus they are close together. 

Some people in CA can probably help more with watering and sun exposure, like @Tracy.  My experience with Senticosus, Msinganus and Lebomboensis is that they are pretty tolerant of water and full sun...but Altensteinii seems picky here in FL.  It grows best in AM sun and PM shade, and wants a decent amount of water but also wants to sit up high in excellent drainage.

[Tracy]

1 hour ago, slightlyleft said:

I was gifted this cycad, but don't know what kind it is specifically. The branch that is currently twisting was already browning when it was given to me, but I was told to just cut the brown off for aesthetics. Since then the other leaves have begun to brown and the afore mentioned branch is now twisting. One set of leaves is also clumping together. Please help!

Not to worry.  This is from the Encephalartos genus of Cycads.  I am thinking of a couple of species off the top of my head, but would want to co.pare leaflet details before blurting something wrong.

Back to your health question.   The new leaves are emerging or "flushing", which is the normal process.  The older leaves are dying which again is normal.  Some Encephalartos hold 2 or 3 flushes while others are prone to lose the older flushed leaves before a new flush completely emerges.  Avoid handling or disturbing newly emerging flushes as this can damage the leaflets before they harden into the mature form.

[slightlyleft]

@Tracy So the browning is to be expected?

[Merlyn]

On 11/3/2024 at 6:13 PM, Tracy said:

I am thinking of a couple of species off the top of my head, but would want to co.pare leaflet details before blurting something wrong.

Ooooooo that must be my issue.  I just randomly blurt out very wrong answers...going out on a limb, so to say! 

@slightlyleft I'd be concerned if the new leaves (the ones towards the center of the plant with closely spaced leaflets) were browning or burning.  The old fronds with widely spaced leaves were probably shade-grown and are showing signs of sunburn.  That reddish brown blotchiness is usually the worst on leaflets facing directly towards the hottest afternoon sun.  See below photo for more info:

[Tracy]

4 hours ago, slightlyleft said:

@Tracy So the browning is to be expected?

As Merlyn shows and describes,  yes browning of leaflets on older flushes is a normal process.  Energy focuses on the new flush of leaves.  The number of leaves in a flush will increase as it matures.  As it gets larger, a normal interval between flushes for most Encephalartos here in our climate is once per year.  Some may periodically flush more often or skip a year but it takes tremendous energy built up over time in the roots and caudex to push new flushes.

Regarding species, leaflets will change as the plants move from seedlings to juveniles and eventually adults.   This is another reason for caution in identifying species unless one has extensive experience watchng them go through these progressions.   I don't have that experience beyond growing for my own garden. 

[slightlyleft]

@Merlyn I just checked, and one of the leaflets on the bunched together frond have turned halfway brown.

 

Thank you for all your help!

[Merlyn]

@slightlyleft I'd call that browned leaflet "physical damage."  Most likely it got bent by hitting it against something, like a car door, etc.  It happens, and isn't anything to be concerned about.