Ailing Cycas Revoluta

[SRIKANTH SHANMUGAM]

How to revive a ailing Cycas Revoluta. Bought a sapling ( Cycas Revoluta )on line. It took 17 days to reach me.  By the time it reached me its leaf has dried upto 80%. Since I am passionate about gardening I did not complain this to the supplier, instead planted him in a pot and tried to bring him back to life.  2 weeks have passed, now I do not know whether he is alive or dead.  Please help.

 

 

[Harry’s Palms]

These can look dead for quite a while before showing signs of life . I had one on my hill that hibernated for 5 years . Now puts out new fronds every year. Cycas are survivors . I would treat it as a live plant and see what happens . Bright , indirect light would be best until it comes around. Harry

[SRIKANTH SHANMUGAM]

Many thanks for the hope you have given me. God bless us and the plant.

[happypalms]

Cut the  dead leaves off and as @Harry’s Palms said just treat as a living cycad species pot it up and place it in a warm shaded place and wait. 

[SRIKANTH SHANMUGAM]

What about watering schedule and fertilizer. Should I treat him like a normal plant and the fertilizing should be done on a regular basis.

[Harry’s Palms]

Water depends on environment .  water only when the top of the soil becomes dry . Make sure the soil you use has a sandy loam with pearlite ( the little white thingys). I wouldn’t worry about fertilizer as most container soil has a bit. Once it starts growing you can add a good organic fertilizer but I don’t fertilize my cycads at all. Harry

[SRIKANTH SHANMUGAM]

Thought of pampering him with fish emulsion and organic vermicompost, you know so that it won't be a struggle for him.  In India Palmgain is not affordable, can you suggest a brand ( palm food ) that is equivalent to Palmgain and also readily available. 

 

 

[Tracy]

On 11/15/2024 at 1:36 AM, SRIKANTH SHANMUGAM said:

Thought of pampering him with fish emulsion and organic vermicompost

I think more Cycads die from pampering over watering and over fertilizing than from benign neglect.  I wouldn't worry about the fertilizer for now.  When you do just try to match NPK on the PalmGain and get something that includes micronutrients.  Since we don't know products available there in India, comparing the concentrations of the components is the best way to recommend a product that you can find there.  Good luck with it!