PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full to partial sun; tolerates light shade, but consistent full sun supports dense, healthy frond growth
Watering
Water deeply when the top 10–15 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to mild frost (down to 5°C); thrives in warm temperate to subtropical temperature ranges
Characteristics
- Leaves: Long, arching pinnate fronds, deep green, with sharp leaflets; up to 2.5 m long
- Cones: Male cones are slender, yellow-brown; female cones are larger, barrel-shaped, green to brown
- Trunk: Thick, cylindrical trunk covered in persistent, fibrous leaf bases
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; increase frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer once every 2 months. Use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer to support steady growth without promoting soft, vulnerable foliage
Eggshell powder topdressing：Sprinkle finely ground, dried eggshells on the soil surface; mix lightly into the top 2 cm of soil to boost calcium levels and improve soil drainagePruning
- Remove brown, dead fronds at the base to maintain a tidy crown and improve airflow
- Trim damaged or discolored leaflets to prevent pest infestation
- Avoid cutting healthy fronds, as cycads grow slowly and replace foliage infrequently
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; cycasin exposure may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potentially fatal liver failure
Humans: Contains cycasin, a hepatotoxic alkaloid; ingestion can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and liver damage
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental landscape plant; historical traditional medicinal use is not recommended due to toxicity
