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Cycad are among the oldest known species still alive and thriving in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
The evolutionary step between ferns and trees, there are about 60 different species in the genus. Cycads are
impossible to grow in any classic bonsai style. Their appeal lies in the ability to grow a perfectly miniature version
of the full sized tree in its natural habitat. Regardless of their common name, Sago Palm, Cycads are only distantly
related to true palm trees. A healthy Cycad brings to mind immediately lush tropical lands, with their squat, bulb
like trunk and verdant green palm like fronds of foliage. In the landscape, male and female cones are found on
separate plants, though they seldom occur in bonsai cultivation.
Hardiness: Minimum temperatures of 60 degrees F. Best if kept above 68F at all times however.
Light: Full sun to semi-shade. Shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: More organic than grit, up to 3/4ths. Moisture holding, but still with drainage.
Watering: Water heavily, but do not allow to remain soggy. Decrease watering slightly in winter, during slow
growth. They grow naturally in areas of high humidity and rainfall, so do not tolerate dry roots at all. Consider
providing a humidity tray.
Fertilizer: Gentle, balanced feed during growth season. Reduce strength and frequency during winter.
Pests and Diseases: Scale on occasion. Damping off, a fungal disease that usually affects seedlings, can strike if soil
is kept too moist or too cold.
Repotting: Every five years or more. Avoid root pruning unless necessary, as roots are very delicate. Best to
simply pot up into a marginally larger pot. Again, the roots are *extremely* fragile and must be handled with care.
Pruning and Styling: There is little that can be done with cycads. No wiring or pruning needed. Simply cut off
dead fronds as necessary. Cut with a sharp knife or shears at a forty five degree angle, close to the trunk. This
process over the years will produce the characteristic notched trunk, much like it distant palm relatives. Sloppy
pruning of the fronds will lead to a ragged and messy trunk.
Propagation:
Styles and Forms:
Species and Cultivars: C. revoluta (Japanese Sago palm) and C. circinnalis (Sago Palm)commonly used in bonsai
cultivation, native to China, India and South East Asia.
Other Information: When purchasing, check for the growing tip in the center of the fronds. If no emerging shoot or
bud can be seen, or if it looks unhealthy, avoid it. Look for plants with a healthy growing tip.
Cycads are sensitive to changes in the environment. Changes in temperature, light or a draft can cause all of the
foliage to die. If this happens, move the cycad to a bright location, and keep the plant warm and moist while it
recovers.
The evolutionary step between ferns and trees, there are about 60 different species in the genus. Cycads are
impossible to grow in any classic bonsai style. Their appeal lies in the ability to grow a perfectly miniature version
of the full sized tree in its natural habitat. Regardless of their common name, Sago Palm, Cycads are only distantly
related to true palm trees. A healthy Cycad brings to mind immediately lush tropical lands, with their squat, bulb
like trunk and verdant green palm like fronds of foliage. In the landscape, male and female cones are found on
separate plants, though they seldom occur in bonsai cultivation.
Hardiness: Minimum temperatures of 60 degrees F. Best if kept above 68F at all times however.
Light: Full sun to semi-shade. Shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: More organic than grit, up to 3/4ths. Moisture holding, but still with drainage.
Watering: Water heavily, but do not allow to remain soggy. Decrease watering slightly in winter, during slow
growth. They grow naturally in areas of high humidity and rainfall, so do not tolerate dry roots at all. Consider
providing a humidity tray.
Fertilizer: Gentle, balanced feed during growth season. Reduce strength and frequency during winter.
Pests and Diseases: Scale on occasion. Damping off, a fungal disease that usually affects seedlings, can strike if soil
is kept too moist or too cold.
Repotting: Every five years or more. Avoid root pruning unless necessary, as roots are very delicate. Best to
simply pot up into a marginally larger pot. Again, the roots are *extremely* fragile and must be handled with care.
Pruning and Styling: There is little that can be done with cycads. No wiring or pruning needed. Simply cut off
dead fronds as necessary. Cut with a sharp knife or shears at a forty five degree angle, close to the trunk. This
process over the years will produce the characteristic notched trunk, much like it distant palm relatives. Sloppy
pruning of the fronds will lead to a ragged and messy trunk.
Propagation:
Styles and Forms:
Species and Cultivars: C. revoluta (Japanese Sago palm) and C. circinnalis (Sago Palm)commonly used in bonsai
cultivation, native to China, India and South East Asia.
Other Information: When purchasing, check for the growing tip in the center of the fronds. If no emerging shoot or
bud can be seen, or if it looks unhealthy, avoid it. Look for plants with a healthy growing tip.
Cycads are sensitive to changes in the environment. Changes in temperature, light or a draft can cause all of the
foliage to die. If this happens, move the cycad to a bright location, and keep the plant warm and moist while it
recovers.
Cycad, Sago Palm (Cycas)