Asked on Jun 08, 2016

Need help!! Plant identification and care

Sue Kiene
by Sue Kiene
This cute little palm tree has seen better days. Friends of mine had her and when she started looking not quite as pretty, they gave her to me since I have always been the plant saver. They told me how they had been caring for her and did not know what she was. I have googled trying to identify her without a lot of success as well as tried 2 different plant identification apps. She is looking worse and I would hate to see her die. Hopefully someone out there can help. A name and care directions would be greatly appreciated.
  113 answers
  • Gen6870466 Gen6870466 on Jun 08, 2016
    редко поливать Цикас
  • Tve6884082 Tve6884082 on Jun 08, 2016
    You have a cycad. It's a leftover from the days of the dinosaurs. Care is easy: part shade, water only when dry and keep it warm in winter. It's full name is Cycas revoluta.
  • Hi Sue, it's called a Sago Palm, but here in sunny Florida they live much better outside, doesn't require much watering (can cause root rot) or tending to. Hope this helps ; )
  • Anita Anita on Jun 08, 2016
    Stephanie is right, I think it's a Sago too. It'll grow at least six foot tall. They'll have new growths (pups) that can be cut off and transplanted. They really are quite hearty.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 08, 2016
    Sago Palm. Here in New York it is a house plant. Since the plant has a bulb like base do not overwater as it holds the water longer then normal plants.
  • Meemoo Meemoo on Jun 08, 2016
    It is a sago palm. Poison to dogs. Will grow outside in hot climate. Grows very tall like most palms.
  • Rosie Major Rosie Major on Jun 08, 2016
    Hi Sue, it looks very much like a Cycad, which Sago Palms are a type of. It is also highly toxic as it contains cycasin which causes internal bleeding if ingested. Pets are most at risk, but humans can also be affected - we are just less likely to chew on a leaf or the see/pod. It usually lives in lightly shaded well drained areas but if indoors, you'd probably want it closer to a window. If you keep her soil damp (not wet), she should be happy. Cycads, have been around for 250 million or so years - so I reckon your girl must be pretty tough. BTW I've decided her name is Cynthia :)
  • Donna Donna on Jun 08, 2016
    Cycad
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jun 08, 2016
    Well I guess when I was researching I was right because you are all giving me the same answer I came up with but this little girl keeps looking sicker. I do not over water her. Lana, my dog, has not bitten her. She is indoors about 3 foot from a large south facing window which has a cloth blind on the lower 2/3 so much of the light is filtered. I think I may take her out of her pot and replace the dirt and take a look at her roots while she is out. Cynthia may be a very good name for her. LOL She is kindof stuck up.
    • See 2 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 08, 2016
      @Sue Kiene The brown frond.The browning on the other part just trim for now until you get the plant healthy.
  • Dolores Dolores on Jun 08, 2016
    sago palm and it goes very slowly…do not overwater…look it up on the internet for more info.
  • Georgia Garrett Georgia Garrett on Jun 09, 2016
    Cut all the fonds off to the bare "stalk" . Plant it outside. Give it at least three months of neglect and it will come back.
  • Joyce days Joyce days on Jun 09, 2016
    Sago palm. Grows extensively in Florida. Hardy there.
  • Rodrigo Sebidos Rodrigo Sebidos on Jun 09, 2016
    I agree with the others, it's a Cycas or Cycad, a Gymnosperm very ancient, fossil records revealed that these trees were already present in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. There are several species, 6 were quite common in tropical and semi-temperate countries especially Cycas revoluta or Sago palm. To revitalize your plant here's my recommendations: 1. Transfer the plant to a bigger pot or better on the ground 2.Dig a hole enough to accommodate the base of the tree about a foot dip 3. Do not remove the soil from the roots, but you can trim protruding ones with a garden scissor or pruning shear 3. Before placing the plant in the hole put enough organic fertilizer (plant base) at the bottom. You can trim damaged leaves or yellowing leaves 4.Add soils in the hole to completely cover the base of the plant, preferably humus 5. Firmly pushed the soil downward centering at the base of the plant with your palm 6. Sprinkle enough water to wet the base, but don't flood. Do it every morning until plant fully recovered.
  • Bruce Tootsie Bruce Tootsie on Jun 09, 2016
    The palm is a Sago palm needs lots of sun and is a slow grower does not need to much water.
  • M Rogers M Rogers on Jun 09, 2016
    Plant in good sunlight. Make a mixture of: fill 2 gallon bucket with water, then min in 1 cup Epson Salt. Mix well and pour about half of the mixture one foot out from base of plant. Wait about two weeks and use the rest in the same way. Cut off all old leaves before using this mixture. You should see nice healthy leaves soon.
  • Diane Rich Diane Rich on Jun 09, 2016
    FYI...I just read on a blog that her dog died after chewing on a Sago Palm. Just in case you have pets and weren't already aware.
    • See 2 previous
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jun 09, 2016
      @GoddessOdd I have read about that. The palm is up and away from anywhere the dog even walks. Believe me, I do not put Lana at risk. She was an abused rescue. They broke her leg (now half amputated) and did nothing and she has scar damage on her brain so has seizures probably from being kicked. All before she was a year old. Then it took me 3 or 4 month of pestering the rescue. No one would talk to me about her. Well she was deemed unadoptable & put in a permanent foster home where she was to live out her days. My persistence won. She came home with me and she is now 13. She comes before any plant.
  • Gwen Gwen on Jun 09, 2016
    Yes, it's a Sago Palm also known as a Cycad.
  • Gina Gina on Jun 09, 2016
    Sago Palm. Water twice a week or more if you're in a desert area
  • Sus5612711 Sus5612711 on Jun 09, 2016
    This plant is deadly to pets. Very toxic
  • Rodrigo Sebidos Rodrigo Sebidos on Jun 10, 2016
    Already posted my recommendations on this issue yesterday.
  • GoddessOdd GoddessOdd on Jun 10, 2016
    Thanks for rescuing... I am sure Lana has a wonderful home with you. I have been doing animal rescue for about 40 years now, and currently provide end of life care for unadoptable senior dogs. (three in residence at the moment, plus a bunch of cats) I mentioned moving the plant only because, here in Florida , where Sagos are common as grass, a neighbor lost her beloved puppy from one overlooked sago seed. She read the newspaper article about the seeds, and was diligent about making sure that no seeds were present, but unfortunately, one seed was all it took for her little puppy. I dug all my sagos out and gave them away the next weekend.
    • See 3 previous
    • DORLIS DORLIS on Jun 12, 2016
      @GoddessOdd i HAVE NO TOLERANCE FOR THOSE WHO TORTURE DEFENSLESS ANIMALS OR PEOPLE. tHEY SHOULD BE PUT OUT OF THEIR MISERY. i TAKE IN STRAYS AND ABUSED CATS. IT I S SO HARD FOR THEM TO LEARN TO TRUST. I had a neighbor who said he would use my cats for target practice. I think he was joking, but I told him he would be laying on the ground next to my cat. He never said that again.
  • ObiaMan ObiaMan on Jun 11, 2016
    Sago Palm seems to be the answer. I had no idea it was poisonous. These are the "leaves" used by Catholics on Palm Sunday. I finally got one planted last year. They can get huge make loads of "babies." The new growth out the middle is so different and beautiful.
  • Diane Diane on Jun 13, 2016
    Palms love manganese and magnesium with their fertilizers. Just check at your favorite garden store, and follow directions on the bag.
  • Steffany king Steffany king on Jun 13, 2016
    Majestic Palm tree, they love sun,well fertilized ground. Take it out the planter the roots are getting smothered and plant in the ground . Water everyday , miracle grow once a week. It will only grow up to 4' ft tall. Cover with plastic BEFORE first frost
  • Vanda wright Vanda wright on Jun 17, 2016
    It is a coontie.
    • GoddessOdd GoddessOdd on Jun 18, 2016
      I disagree. coonties are very similar, but have softer, more flexible fronds and are structured differently
  • Janice Lynn Hodgeman Janice Lynn Hodgeman on Jun 19, 2016
    Sago Palm. Just cut the dead leave off. Take it outside in the summer. It's a tropical plant so they like humidity. I water mine with epsom salt water. It with get new fronds that will come up from the middle of the plant. At first they will be really soft, but then they will harden like the other fronds. I have some that I have had for several years and i live in Missouri. I bring then in every winter and take then out every spring. The fronds will continue to die and new ones will come back.
  • Riz1480400 Riz1480400 on Jun 20, 2016
    Palm
  • Chris Betts Chris Betts on Jun 20, 2016
    This is a Sago Palm. Not a true palm though. You may be over watering. I had trouble with mine. Use a soil that drains well.
  • Loretta Loretta on Jun 20, 2016
    I agree with Chris... Sago. Needs a bigger pot too or plant it in the ground.
  • Seena Seena on Jun 23, 2016
    The Sago Palm loves being outside in the sunlight. I would also remove the stones from the top of the plant so it can breath. Don't over water. Winter indoors in a cool room (not a cold room) If you haven't changed the soil in awhile, change it. If it needs to be re-potted only go 2"-3" bigger in the new pot as most plants love their roots around them. Your drainage should be sufficient as well. Good luck, I've seen these beauties last for years and get huge! :)
    • See 1 previous
    • Seena Seena on Jun 26, 2016
      Hi Sue, By 'cool' I do mean around 50-65 degrees. I take all of my succulents, orchids, palms and put them in a south window in a room that I close most of the heat out of for winter. Some of my plants can go out in my garage w/is 'slightly' heated (small portable). If you are in Zone 7 or below they definitely need to be wintered indoors. By doing this, you're encouraging the plants to behave like they would in nature, giving them a well deserved break and the 'dormant' rest they need. I also agree w/Cheryl about the 'food' they'll require when it's back to growing season (late spring) manganese is essential to the Sago (Cycad) as it is most often depleted of this mineral. HOW much to feed is very important. Whatever the 'label' says ~ use less. Less is always more when applying any kind of fertilizer and only feed during growth months (spring/summer) about twice a month. BTW ~ when you get ready to winter them, they'll still need a touch of water. Take the brown leaves off, re-pot in a good cactus/palm soil, feed (lightly) with manganese, put her in good sun. If it's insects, it's most likely to be scale (waxy white covering) or mealy bugs (white cottony covering). These should be washed off as they're hard to put insecticide on them 'cause there 'shells' if you will protect the actual insect. IF it is an insect problem, after you wash the plant off, and change the soil you shouldn't have anymore problems. Good luck!! :)
  • Cheryl Cheryl on Jun 25, 2016
    Definitely a Sago Palm (not a real palm, but a cyad). Usually, it's manganese and iron, not magnesium (Epsom salts) that they want. Mine are in the ground- they can be outside year round in zone 9 and above (and sometimes zone 8). Mine have survived on their own down to 26 deg F in the ground, with cold winds. A fertilizer meant for palm trees or cactus is ideal. It does look like the fronds are drying out. Biggest problem in Florida is scale, which will turn them brown - but doubt you can get it indoors. Make sure your soil is well drained and not heavy - they like sandy soil. Wish I knew where you lived or your zone.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jun 25, 2016
    Definitely a Sago Palm they grow all over Spain, they love the sun as above well drained soil and definitely keep on the dry side. If you do take it indoors keep it in a cool room, not centrally heated. Mine stay outdoors even during Winter without any problems. As Seen a recommended I would remove the stones. Good luck.
  • Adéle Meerholz Adéle Meerholz on Jun 30, 2016
    Yes, indeed a sago palm (cycas revoluta). Overwatering isn't a good thing but the biggest problem, from what I can see in your picture, is that it is planted too deep. The stem is actually bigger than the root system and gets bigger as it gets older. Contrary to belief, they are actually very tough plants...
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jun 30, 2016
      Planted to deep the trunk or bulb or whatever you want to call it is well over half out of the ground? The palm is planted exactly as it came from wherever my friends purchased it. And is planted the same way I have been able to find info on. I have seen pictures of them where the trunk is completely in the ground and the top looks perfectly healthy.
  • Adéle Meerholz Adéle Meerholz on Jun 30, 2016
    Great! Then it shouldn't be too long before it perks up?
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jun 30, 2016
    I do not think so. I went thru the 50 approximate answers and boiled them down into one set of directions based on those answers and in my opinion the palm now looks at least 20 times worse than before I asked for help. It looks dead.
  • Rodrigo Sebidos Rodrigo Sebidos on Jul 01, 2016
    You said you've reviewed at least 50 answers and not find the appropriate solution? If, you're Sago, Cycas, or Cycad plant is still in the original pot as seen in the photo, this is what happened: the plant has already overgrown the container, the nutrients (N,P,K, and micronutrients) almost exhausted, beneficial microbial activity is low , soil quality is unfavorable. Possible course of action, 1) transfer the plant to a bigger container or to the ground 2) boll the whole plant, don't remove the soil from the roots 3) chose container with enough space at the bottom for additional soil, 4) put compost or organic fertilizer before setting the plant, 5) cover the pot or hole (ground) with enough soil 6) press the soil downward using your ​ palm around the bulbous stem, 7) water the plant, don't flood, 8) for 3-4 days prevent direct sunlight, place some cover, and 9) watering should be done in the morning
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 01, 2016
    Because of your location and your initial response which showed that you seemed very familiar with the plant, I leaned very heavily on your direction. When I received the plant from my friends who were having difficulty with it, I believed that it might be rootbound and in need of a larger pot as well as being depleted of nutrients in the dirt. The rock pieces that you see in the pot were still tightly in place. I removed the plant from the pot and checked the roots. It was definitely not rootbound and I could see no indication of any other issues in that area. I then removed the dirt that was not attached to the roots and replaced it with fresh new dirt that has some added nutrients and replanted it. I made sure that it was dry at least an inch or more down before giving it any water. Water that drained thru was not allowed to remain in the drip pan. I did put the palm outside in one of my flower beds. Other than covering it which you did not say anything about in your initial response all of your directions were followed. As I stated, it looks dead.
  • Rodrigo Sebidos Rodrigo Sebidos on Jul 02, 2016
    Well, Sue, it maybe too late already when I stated those procedures. The plant could have been suffering from unfavorable conditions quite a time and the process is already irreversible.​
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 02, 2016
    Well I do not give up that easily. That is why I am known to be the person who fixes plants. You never know until you try. And then poof "life"
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 02, 2016
    Sue give the palm a good talking to and keep it on the dry side. Here in Spain we can have temperatures from 40 degrees in Summer to minus 10/20 degrees in winter, and this is left in situ all year round. We bought ours 12 years ago and was similar size as yours, the advice from the plantsman was do not dig plant in too deep, in sandy well drained soil do not over water and do not feed, Mine has sat In front off a wall in full sun since we bought it and we have followed the instructions to the letter. It is now approximately 4 foot in circumference and about 2 1/2 tall in great health and the picture of health. Although I do talk to my plants don't know if this helps or not? Haha but our Sago Palm is thriving, maybe on be neglect?
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 02, 2016
    So you think I should stop playing country music for it? LOL. I do talk to my plants and this one gets talked to every day, sometimes several times a day dependent where I am working in the yard. I presume that you are talking Celsius in your temperatures which are comparable to mine. I really did not intend for the palm to be left outside and with the high winds we have off the lake, I think it needs to go in the house.
  • It looks like a Sago Palm. They are tropical plants that like to be outside in the summertime. They grow very, very slowly. Good luck.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 03, 2016
    Hi Sue i'm glad that I'm not the only one who talks to their plants as you said maybe it doesn't like the choice of music, lol. Mine seem to like classical best it takes all sorts. Sorry yes it is Celsius, we also get at times strong winds from the beach, ours sits next to a fig tree. I wonder if maybe that's the reason it's thriving, maybe not my chit chat? I hope that the Palm thrives under your care, you obviously care about your plants good luck.
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 04, 2016
      When I was a teenager my room was an inside garden. Sure I planted things outside being a farm kid. I kept the plants rotating thru the house as well as my stepmother did not have a green thumb. Now I have everything from orchids to lemon and lime trees to all kinds of other babies. I have a nursery behind my house for babies that I have started from cuttings and seeds etc. for different unusual flowers etc. from all over the US. Recently I received some unusual ginger rhizomes and plants from Puerto Rico. I also have a few things that have come from overseas. With 1.5 acres I have plenty of room to play in the dirt.
  • Manya Ameri Manya Ameri on Jul 03, 2016
    I cannot really tell from your picture but, if the new leaves (from the heart of the Sago Palm) are yellowing or dying, then you have already lost your plant. It is not a true Palm but a Cycad. You could try adding Epsom salts because it looks deficient in magnesium.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 04, 2016
    I am so envious of your of your play area, wow i'm just visualising how many plants you have. I think between us we could almost fill this area. You obviously have green fingers (UK speak for green thumb) I too am at my happiest in the muck, planting and taking cuttings and tending my myriads of pots, life is good when you can get outside and just be!. I'd love to hear how your sago palm gets on, rake care and happy playing.
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 04, 2016
      Earlier in the spring after receiving all kinds of seeds over the last 6 months plus I decided one day when I was home alone to kindof sort it all out. I had the floor covering about an 8x8 section. Lots of the seed packs are only about an inch square so you can imagine. I sat down the other night to start checking what was left and making a log in excel showing the names, perennial, annual, tree, shrub, ivy or what, how many approximately, and other information. I am also going to put a column for when I should start indoors during late winter so I can get a schedule because this year I missed planting some of the annuals that I would use for pots by the front door, use for fillers, etc. I did not get it completed but so far there are about 130. I also just started an asparagus patch, a rhubarb patch, getting ready to plant blackberries. I also planted goji berries and gooseberries. And I have started about 7 or 8 different kinds of flowering trees. I gave one of my friends a baby mimosa tree last summer but they had a friendly little bunny who thought it tasted good and did not protect it before she ate the whole thing. I have 2 new ones of those (one for them and a 2nd one for my yard) plus a golden mimosa that hopefully within a month I can get it in the ground so that it can get settled in before winter. I have red myrtle and lavender myrtle trees, a couple of golden chain trees, 2 cassie trees and others. I just got seeds for a tulip tree. I can just imagine them all flowering out there. Well I am off to putter outside. I have some dirt and manure to mix into the sunken soil in one of my flower beds out front and then I can move some of the young plants out there.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 05, 2016
    Wow that's what I call organised, you're definitely on top of things and your plant selection is making me drool lol. Why not post your garden on Hometalk and give us all some inspiration. I believe a garden is always a work in progress a gardner is always adding. I was treated to a Galan de Noche on Saturday, which is a beautifully and highly scented in the evening, so I can't wait for it to flower. I love Mimosa also, we only have the blue variety here, shame about your friends tree she won't make that mistake again! Good luck with your planting, maybe you can post some tips for us? Take care.
  • Mike Mike on Jul 05, 2016
    Just bought two of these in Florida. Brough them back to mi It is a sago. Kinda struggling to keep two alive, I could use some help as well
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 05, 2016
    Congratulations on your new baby. You should try the pinky red mimosa. It only takes about 3-4 years for them to start blooming and they are so pretty and feathery. My friends (Shaun and Ken) will be very happy to get their new mimosa tree. They keep getting pictures of mine every couple of weeks and also started last year and it is close to 3 foot high. I was teasing my other half that by the end of next year it will probably be as tall as the dark red maple that is close to 10 years old. You would probably laugh if I showed you pictures of my nursery with the upside down milk crates sitting here and there. Those are because I feed the birds and if I try to start seeds direct in the ground they think those are for them too. But I will take some pictures and load them. You are right gardens are a work in progress. They can never be complete. I found a new vine yesterday that is coming for me for next years start it is called a fake garlic vine. The flowers are 3 colors from like a cream to a lavender to a darker purple. So pretty. Oh and your blue mimosa, I want to start some of those too.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 06, 2016
    Hi Sue Thank you, wow pinky red Mimosa, I have never seen one. How lucky you are in the USA to have so much choice, i'll have to see if I can locate the seed and try and grow one here. I'll let you know if I succeed, any tips?
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 06, 2016
      Last night when I was watering the nursery and the planted baby flats, I got a big surprise. After 4 or 5 months of waiting, a baby Red Flamboyant tree poked thru the dirt. They are also called a Royal Poinciana. Check out a closeup of them and they look like another mimosa tree. Very pretty. Tips for the mimosa. Scarify the seed. New method is find a small box and glue sandpaper inside. Put the seed inside and shake, shake, shake. I also want to try the boiling water method too. Anyway then I place in water for 24 hours. Pop them into soil and put in direct light at least 6-8 hours a day. Keep fairly moist. Have patience. I would recommend starting in about January or February. By June you should have a baby to put in the ground. They throw fairly deep tap roots quickly so make sure you have figured out where you want it. Once you have planted it, just give it plenty of water. By late autumn, you should have a 6-12 inch baby. You have winter similar to ours so I would either mulch it heavily or put a rose cone on it. The rose cone will help keep it going and growing during the winter. I mulched mine this time since I wanted to see how it would do with the high winds and northeasters we get. It made it thru the winter and now it is getting close to 3 foot tall. Here is a picture. Think about that, she is not much more than a year old!! I also have a baby yellow one that is just started. I will hopefully be able to put it in the ground with a month giving it time to get its roots going before winter. Oh by the way my germination rate is rather low by my experience but the seeds I used for the pinky red ones were about 2 years old.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 06, 2016
    Thanks Sue for your tips, I will give it a try and see how it goes. Your Mimosa is gorgeous, thanks for showing it, are you still playing it Country music, is that the secret? haha. I'm going to look up your Royal Poinciana, have you grown this from seed too? I haven't heard off it, but will go and educate myself it sounds tropical? Your baby Mimosa look really healthy too thanks for sharing these.
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 06, 2016
      The little children in the nursery get more country music but when I am working out front which is where the larger one is she gets it as well. I think she might like some jazz or classical for a change. Yes the Royal Poinciana and the yellow mimosa both are from seeds. I am also trying to start a jacaranda as well as a Japanese flowering cherry. Glutton for punishment aren't I LOL
  • Doris Cripps Doris Cripps on Jul 06, 2016
    Sago palm
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 07, 2016
    You sure are! Although it seems to be working so well why stop? I know it sounds crazy but my veg patch and fruit trees really responded to the Gypsy Kings and grew so well lol One year I had tons of peppers and chillis too, don't knock it until you try it eh! We sound like mad gardneram apparantly Prince Charles talks to his haha take care.
  • Kelly Meiring Kelly Meiring on Jul 07, 2016
    This plant is a cycad. I have about 15 in my garden. I don't think they do very well indoors in pots. Those that I've tried potting have all died, so would recommend you plant outside, but look up planting recommendations for your area/country, as I live in South Africa and don't know what your conditions are like. Good luck
  • Mar8324088 Mar8324088 on Jul 07, 2016
    Sago Palm. Try putting Epsom salt around it. I've been told it will help the yellowing fronds. And by the way, this is a plant that can be very poisonous to animals!! I suggest you google it.
  • Judy Bradfield Judy Bradfield on Jul 10, 2016
    Sago Palm. My husband use to grow them, there is a male and female plant, can't tell you the difference though.
  • Gina Gina on Jul 10, 2016
    Sago Palm. Don't over water. They like good drainage. Very slow grower.
  • Pamela Bennett Pamela Bennett on Jul 19, 2016
    This is a Sego Palm! Very popular in Southern California where I live and quite a xpensive to the point where some steal them from front yards for cash!
  • Salma Salma on Jul 19, 2016
    Pamela, yes, my little Sago Palm cost me $25 when it was the same size as this pic. It's now grown some, but I still have in a pot. They won't grow much while in a pot. I have another that is planted on the ground, and is growing much faster. Also, they grow faster when trimmed often.
  • Paula Dirck Paula Dirck on Jul 20, 2016
    This is a Sago palm.
  • Wayne Ambrose Wayne Ambrose on Jul 21, 2016
    Cycas revoluta. Not a Cycad at call. Recommend cutting all the leaves off, repot into well drained soil mixture. Water and put in area receiving direct sunlight. New leaves will appear after approximately six months. Enjoys tropical and sub tropical climate. Extremely hardy and will regenerate even if it's been out the ground for a month.
    • Cheryl Cheryl on Jul 22, 2016
      The cycas revoluta is the most popular Cycad in cultivation (according to Wikipedia). I think you meant to say that it isn't a palm even though it is called a Sago palm.
  • Eed7906201 Eed7906201 on Jul 22, 2016
    It takes awhile to start seeing it get better. Don't give up.
  • Wayne Ambrose Wayne Ambrose on Jul 22, 2016
    Yes it does come from the family Cycadaceae. In my industry we refer to them as Cycas to prevent confusion with Encephalitis species that are endemic to our area. Thanks for that.
  • Rodrigo Sebidos Rodrigo Sebidos on Jul 22, 2016
    Cycas revoluta is the scientific name of the plant in the picture and the common name is Sago Palm, but the real Sago palm found in most tropical countries does not belong to the Genus Cycadaceae. Cycas revoluta is a Gymnosperm while the real sago palm is an Angiosperm.​
  • Debby Speights Debby Speights on Jul 25, 2016
    I suggest planting it outdoors. They get huge!
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Jul 25, 2016
      They are also very slow growing. At this time it is outside. But I live in Ohio near Lake Erie so I am sure that the winters are too cold for it to survive outside.
  • One8414992 One8414992 on Jul 27, 2016
    Sago Palm....
  • Wan7770269 Wan7770269 on Jul 29, 2016
    Sago palm needs full sun palm plant food growers in Florida gets big puts off new plants called pups at the bottom of mother plant 2 kinds queen,King palms king likes the cold the queen does not
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jul 30, 2016
    That is helpful, how can you tell which genus you have? I have 2 which were similar in size to the palm Sue inherited. Both are in sheltered locations, 1 is now about 1 1/2 metres tall as 1 metre wide, the other is about 1 metre tall and 1/2 metres wide. They are in the garden all year, including frost and cold to minus 5 degrees. In your opinion would these be King Sago Palms? Thank you.
  • Diane Diane on Jul 31, 2016
    "The Queen sago does not branch whereas the King sago, Cycas revoluta, creates many heads of branches off the main trunk and also from sprouts at ground level. The King sago is the one most commonly planted. " http://mgonline.com/articles/sago.aspx
  • Rodrigo Sebidos Rodrigo Sebidos on Aug 01, 2016
    Precisely because you have two kinds of Cycas revoluta, one is Pistillate plant (female or Queen Sago ) and the Staminate plant (male or King Sago}. For porpuses of aesthetic value, the king Sago is prepared than ​Queen Sago that produced branches (offset, occasionally in the crown and also in the trunk) that may become unruly landscape. However, since Queen Sago is the female, it holds the seeds and when it feels to the ground it germinates into new plants, but this is not bad because you can have sources of planting materials, the only problem is how to identify female seedlings from male seedlings.
  • Dani Dani on Aug 04, 2016
    Sago palms are toxic to dogs, keep away from pets.
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Aug 04, 2016
      Yes they are. When it was in the house it sat on top of the piano and where it is planted outside now she does not go. Realistically there are a lot of plants that are toxic to our animals. The best thing you can do is teach them not to chewvon things that are not their toys. I have had more trouble because of people who use dcon rather than the plants I grow.
  • Leeanne Leeanne on Aug 09, 2016
    Saga palms are highly toxic!! One bite to chew could kill them or a child. Get rid of it if you have kids or pets!
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Aug 10, 2016
      Yes they are but so are a very large amount of other plants, flowers, trees, etc. You cannot get rid of every single thing in the world and around you that could hurt someone you care about whether it would be friend, family, child or pet. You can teach them to not put things in their mouths that they should not. That there are things that they should not touch. That they should not go near things that could hurt them. Believe me I am careful with my pets and no different than a child, they can be taught many things from where exactly their yards is, to not touch what is not theirs, to people they do not know are strangers and can cause harm. My dog knows these things. I taught her these things as I have taught many dogs in my lifetime. If people would take time with their children to teach them, right and wrong and a lot more, no different than I was when I was a little child the world would be a better place.
  • Kaye Ashby Wathen Kaye Ashby Wathen on Aug 09, 2016
    Looks like a Sega Palm
  • Kaye Ashby Wathen Kaye Ashby Wathen on Aug 09, 2016
    Looks like a Sega Palm
  • Natalia Natalia on Aug 09, 2016
    It's definitely a Sago Palm. We have several in our yard. Manganese should help with the yellowing. It's available at Lowe's.
  • David Ogden David Ogden on Aug 09, 2016
    Definitely a Saga Palm
  • Mer Mer on Aug 09, 2016
    I think it is a Cica revoluta palm aka Sagu palm coming from Japan originaly. I have some in my garden
  • Joyce Edwards Joyce Edwards on Aug 10, 2016
    sago palm
  • Rainy Derby Rainy Derby on Aug 10, 2016
    Sago palm!
  • Newton Newton on Aug 10, 2016
    Cold weather caused the yellow leaves, they are dead. Don't panic, when the center starts producing new green leaves, then you cut the dead ones off. Just remember to cover the plant when there is a heavy frost...... just love it.
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Aug 10, 2016
      No where the palm was "inside" the house is not where even a cold draft from a heat vent could get to it.
  • Belinda de Kock Belinda de Kock on Aug 15, 2016
    it is a sago palm cycad it is slow growing and can grow quite big
  • Jeannie Jeannie on Aug 16, 2016
    Sagos are notorious for getting a mite that sucks them dead. Look for a white powder on the bottoms of the leaves. If so wash them all off and treat with dish soap and water.
  • Martha Earles Martha Earles on Aug 18, 2016
    I have abig one that we dug up out of my neighbors yard and it had little baby plants at the root base I put big one in the ground and the babies in pots then when they grew a little I put them in the ground made a perfect fence had no problems with them gave one away when my granddaughters frind had a baby
  • Marcie Marcie on Aug 21, 2016
    The common name for this is sago palm, but it's really not a palm at all. It's a member of the cycad family, one of the oldest of plant families on earth. They grow cones, and on some large species, those cones can weigh about 200 (!) pounds. They're really fascinating plants with amazing adaptations. Check out Welwitchia, that grows only on the coast of Namibia. Not sure of its needs, but having its ID, you'll find tons of info online. Enjoy your prehistoric relic!
  • Pap9325630 Pap9325630 on Aug 24, 2016
    This should help with care, over watering maybe causing the yellowing. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/tr...
  • Karen williams Karen williams on Sep 02, 2016
    If you have dogs this plant is extremely dangerous!!
  • Charly Charly on Sep 03, 2016
    Yes please listen to Karen. Sago palms are very poisonous to dogs.
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Sep 03, 2016
    For all of you who keep saying that this palm is toxic to dogs and that I should get rid of it because of that here is the ASPCA toxic plant list for dogs. Sit down and read it and tell me that you do not have many of these plants. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-c... . I have a dog that is well trained and does not chew on anything that I do not give to her. I have already stated that when the palm was inside it was up out of her way. Now that it is outside, it is located out of her area. I am a responsible dog owner.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Sep 03, 2016
    Hi Sue don't take any notice of the negativos, I have two dogs, often keep my daughters two dogs and I have two large Sago Palms like you, I am a responsible dog owner and parent. If you bring them up responsibly they have no need or want to chew and destroy plants or property. You cannot wrap children or pets in cotton wool but you can teach them responsibly what not too touch. I like you have had no issues whatsoever with any off my plants shrubs. Take care Sue and don't let the beggar's get you down.
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Sep 03, 2016
    My irritation is that it is said over and over again but no one reads my comment back that there are a huge amount of toxic plants and you cannot eliminate them all. My dogs are trained to not mess with the trees and plants. I do not put the toxic plants in their areas but all these people think you are idiots because you have the plant and that you do not care about your animal.
  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Sep 05, 2016
    I believe Sue that most of the people on this site are intelligent to realise that this is not the case. You have shown on your posts that you can have a beautiful garden, children and pets. Solely because your are a responsible lady, have trained your pets properly, then what does it matter about a couple of misguided comments. You are very knowledgeable about plants and your garden, we can all learn lots from someone who is caring enough to share tips, make recommendations and is happy to help others, enough said? Take care.
  • Martha Earles Martha Earles on Sep 10, 2016
    I have about 6 Sago Palms in my back yard and mt little dogs have never messed with them
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Sep 11, 2016
      Thank You Martha Earles I appreciate your response regarding your dogs. I have had dogs large and small and none of them bothered with any plants or trees in my yards
  • Kaye Ashby Wathen Kaye Ashby Wathen on Sep 11, 2016
    I have one of those palms in my yard I bought it on sale because it was dying and uncared for at the home store am I water it when the soil is dry. My neighbor has those and she can overwater them as well I think it's best since they are a palm and they lose the lower leaves as they grow to water lightly. But I also live in Arizona where the plants are used to not being watered terribly. I know that they have plant food for these palms tub right now in Arizona it's the wrong time. Have you transplanted the palm ?
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Sep 11, 2016
      I moved it outside in full sun. Cut back the frondlike leaves. Gave it epsom salts like some of the people have stated. We are in a drought and do water but am careful to let it be dry. I guess the best way to say it is that I water around it and give it a light hit at times. Will have to take it out of the ground soon due to fall but will probably not do that until close to October 1 but will just depend on how the weather holds. Was almost 90 yesterday but today a high of 73 with a northeast wind so feels great to me out there but maybe not to it. The house is blocking the wind from it. I was told to expect a very slow recovery and do not see anything so far but as a plant person knows that everything takes time. I have seeds that have taken 5 or 6 months to sprout like my golden chain tree
  • Martha Earles Martha Earles on Sep 11, 2016
    You are very welcome Sue Kiene. You should let it dry out and then water real good then when you see soil drying you can water again now if you move them to often they will turn yellow and you will think that you have killed them but they like many indoor plants and out side plants go into a dormantstate for a while,mine stayed out side in the pots for a long time and I never watered them only when washing the patio and they did just fine, I have planted some of them given some away and still have one in the pot and it is about 3 years old and doing great
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Sep 11, 2016
      Well I have to bring it in for the winter so I am going to take it and put it in a relatively large pot and I have several other plants that do not like a lot of water so will plant them with it. Then next year I will just move the whole pot outside. I would feel better if I saw some sign of life but I will just have to be patient.
  • Suzin Turvill Suzin Turvill on Sep 12, 2016
    Suzin Michaels Everett, WA It looks like a Sago Palm?
  • Kaye Ashby Wathen Kaye Ashby Wathen on Sep 12, 2016
    Sue please let me know how the Epsom salt works- just might have to try that myself stay in touch
  • One8414992 One8414992 on Sep 13, 2016
    Sago Palm for sure! Mine is outside in the ground and doing the same thing.......I live in Palm springs and it's HOT here!
  • Kim Leger Kim Leger on Sep 13, 2016
    It's a sago palm. Poisonous/toxic to dogs and cats, just so you know. Here in FL. They're quite expensive, but I put them in my front t yard where none of my dogs have access to it. Dogs and cats seem to like to chew on the fronds.
  • Stacy Doyle Stacy Doyle on Sep 13, 2016
    It is a sago Palm.. You need to remove the yellow leaves and it needs part sun and shade. The Epsom salt will work to fertilize it but, if it has yellow spot,, you Neem Oil with can be purchased at Home Depot
  • Sharon Sharon on Sep 16, 2016
    I ditto everything Stacy has said. The only toxic part of this plant is the seeds. they form in the center and will do in your pet. So remove them if you see them. I think it is only the female that has a seed formation.
  • Marita Haymes Biedma Marita Haymes Biedma on Sep 17, 2016
    CICA "REVOLUTA"
  • TJ TJ on Sep 18, 2016
    I agree with Tvede6 and Rosie Kiene. My Biology test had one as live ID me question.
  • Kaye Ashby Wathen Kaye Ashby Wathen on Sep 18, 2016
    Why are parts of comments missing
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Sep 18, 2016
      Go to the comment and if there are 3 dots hit those and it will show you the rest. Sometimes with the comments at a picture you just need to hit the picture
  • Chiricahua Cowgirl Chiricahua Cowgirl on Oct 02, 2016
    It is a Sago Palm. They do much better in the ground than in a pot. You need to remove the yellow (dead leaves), put it in a larger pot or directly in the ground. Do NOT over water. They like dry to slightly damp soil and do like the sun. I live in South Central Texas, have several Sago Palms and they are doing great. Good luck with yours.
  • Shirley B Shirley B on Oct 04, 2016
    This palm is a Sago Palm. I have one in my yard. I've heard that they were living in prehistoric times. I just water when it's dry, plant in full sun, and occasionally feed it with palm tree food or just a general 666 fertilizer. When they get a certain age they will sprout 'pups' around the bottom. You can gently cut them off and plant for a new palm. Here in Florida, they are very plentiful because they are easy to take care of and giving the pups to friends and neighbors. Good luck.
  • Mary M Mary M on Oct 06, 2016
    Sago palm.
  • One8414992 One8414992 on Oct 07, 2016
    Definitely a SAGO PALM! Palm Tree fertilizer would help!
  • Kirsten Stephen Kirsten Stephen on Oct 07, 2016
    Yes, Sago palm. Mine is in the backyard in the ground. It gets full sun. It is very happy. They can be temperamental.
  • Rodrigo Sebidos Rodrigo Sebidos on Oct 09, 2016
    That's true, scientifically known as Cycas revoluta classified under Gymnosperms(non-flowering plants).
  • Deltamom Deltamom on Oct 09, 2016
    sago palm, a tropical plant, outdoor plant in the south, houseplant in the north
  • Mku9582943 Mku9582943 on Oct 14, 2016
    Looks like a sad Cycad. Repotting with fresh potting mix will definitely help it revive. It is dinosaur aged plant. It is very hardy and slow growing. Google for more info.
  • Queeni Mac Donald Queeni Mac Donald on Feb 07, 2017

    Mine started getting brown on the tips. I trimmed them and stopped watering so much. It's great now and after repotting and a feeding, it actually grew!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 20, 2022

    YEP Its a Sago Palm. Cut off the brown stalks near to start and dispose of so it cant get eaten by anything. Then re-pot with fresh soil and then off you go.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 05, 2023

    Hello, hope this helps you out. It is a Sago palm

    https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/shrub/sago-palm/