Sago Palm
A living fossil, not a palm at all: stiff, glossy fronds in a symmetrical crown above a shaggy trunk. Slow, tough and dramatic, and one of the most poisonous plants you can bring into a house with a dog.
The sago palm is a cycad, a group of plants that predates the dinosaurs, and it looks it: a crown of stiff, dark, glossy fronds on a rough trunk, growing one flush of new leaves a year. It is tough, drought-tolerant and long-lived.
It is also seriously toxic. Every part contains cycasin, which causes liver failure in dogs, and dogs will chew it. If you have a dog, choose something else. We would not have one in a house with pets.
Light
Bright light with some direct sun. An east or south window, or a west one with the plant a foot back. It tolerates bright indirect light with slower growth. Rotate it so the crown grows evenly.
Water
Water when the top half of the pot is dry, every twelve days or so in summer and every three to four weeks in winter. It is drought-tolerant and rots if kept wet. Do not water into the crown.
Soil and potting
A gritty, fast-draining mix, like cactus mix with some potting soil. A heavy pot. Repot every three years or so; it prefers to be snug.
Feeding
A half-strength palm or balanced feed every eight weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Pups from the base of a mature plant, removed and dried for a week before potting in dry mix. Slow to root. Wear gloves.
In a hot, dry home
Grown in gardens across Phoenix, so a bright indoor spot suits it. Dry air, AC and heat are all fine. Water a little more in July if it is in a sunny window.
Problems and fixes
Yellowing fronds
Likely cause: Overwatering, or a manganese deficiency
Fix: Let it dry more. If the newest fronds are yellow, feed with a palm fertiliser containing manganese.
No new growth
Likely cause: Normal; it flushes once a year
Fix: Patience. A flush of new fronds usually appears in late spring.
White fuzzy patches
Likely cause: Scale or mealybugs
Fix: Wipe with rubbing alcohol; treat with insecticidal soap.
Sago Palm questions
Is the sago palm toxic to dogs?
Yes, severely. Every part contains cycasin, which causes liver failure and is often fatal. Seeds are the most toxic. Do not keep one in a home with dogs.
How often should I water a sago palm?
Every twelve days or so in summer and every three to four weeks in winter, when the top half of the pot is dry.
Why is my sago palm not growing?
It grows one flush of fronds a year, usually in late spring. Slow is normal.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Yucca
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
Ponytail Palm
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 3 weeks
- Pets
- Safe
ZZ Plant
- Light
- Low to bright indirect
- Water
- Every 3 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
