Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) –

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) – A Comprehensive Guide

Local Indian Name: Sago Palm / Cycas

Scientific Name: Cycas revoluta

Family: Cycadaceae

Category and Subcategory: Ornamental Plant / Palm-like Gymnosperm

Native Region: Native to Japan and Southern China, but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Introduction

The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is an ancient, slow-growing, evergreen plant that resembles a palm but belongs to the Cycad family. It is highly valued as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes due to its symmetrical rosette of dark green, feathery leaves. Despite its beauty, all parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are toxic if ingested.

Importance & Benefits

Aesthetic & Landscaping Importance:

• A decorative plant used in gardens, offices, and landscapes.

• Perfect for container gardening and bonsai.

• Enhances tropical and semi-tropical landscapes.

Environmental & Ecological Benefits:

• Drought-resistant, making it suitable for dry and arid climates.

• Air-purifying properties, improving indoor and outdoor air quality.

• Helps prevent soil erosion when planted in gardens.

Cultural & Religious Significance:

• Used in Buddhist and Hindu religious ceremonies.

• Considered a symbol of longevity and resilience.

Description and Cultivation

• Growth Habit: A slow-growing cycad with a stout, woody trunk and a crown of stiff, feathery leaves.

• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, and pinnate with stiff leaflets.

• Trunk: Thick, short, and textured with old leaf bases.

• Flowers & Seeds: Cone-producing plant, but flowers are rare in cultivation. Seeds are orange-red and highly toxic.

Varieties and Cultivars

1. Cycas revoluta ‘Aurea’ – A variety with yellowish leaf tips.

2. Cycas revoluta ‘Silver Queen’ – Features silvery-green leaves.

3. Cycas revoluta ‘Compacta’ – A dwarf cultivar for small gardens.

Location and Light

• Prefers full sunlight to partial shade.

• Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

• Can tolerate low light conditions indoors, but needs bright indirect sunlight.

Soil Preparation

• Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with good aeration.

• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 - 7.5).

• Enrich soil with organic compost for better growth.

Planting

• Best Season: Spring or early summer.

• Spacing: At least 3-5 feet apart to allow proper air circulation.

• Depth: Plant at the same depth as its nursery pot to avoid stem rot.

Watering

• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

• Avoid overwatering, as it leads to root rot.

• Requires less frequent watering in winters.

Pruning

• Remove yellow, dead, or damaged fronds to maintain plant health.

• Avoid cutting green fronds, as they store nutrients.

• Prune once or twice a year for better shape and growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Scale insects – Cause yellowing and leaf drop.

• Mealybugs – Found on leaf bases, causing plant stress.

• Spider mites – Lead to brown spots and webbing on leaves.

Control Measures:

• Use neem oil or horticultural soap spray to control pests.

• Regularly inspect and clean the leaves.

Common Diseases:

• Root rot due to overwatering.

• Leaf spot diseases caused by fungal infections.

• Sooty mold due to honeydew from pests.

Control Measures:

• Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

• Apply fungicide in case of fungal infections.

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature: Thrives in 20°C - 35°C; sensitive to frost.

• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but adapts to dry conditions.

• Rainfall: Tolerates both dry and wet climates, but excessive rainfall may cause root rot.

Propagation

• Seeds: Slow germination (may take 6-12 months).

• Offsets (Pups): The best method—detach and plant the small offsets that grow at the base of the parent plant.

Uses

1. Ornamental Plant: Used in gardens, landscapes, parks, and indoor décor.

2. Potted Plant: Popular for indoor decoration and office spaces.

3. Soil Erosion Control: Helps stabilize soil in gardens and slopes.

4. Traditional Uses: Parts of the plant were used in ancient medicinal and cultural practices, but ingestion is toxic.

Monetary Benefits

• High Demand in Landscaping: Sago Palms are widely sold in nurseries for landscaping and gardening.

• Potted Sago Palms fetch ₹500 - ₹5,000 per plant, depending on size.

• Export Potential: Sago Palms are exported worldwide as decorative plants.

• Bonsai Market: Small-sized Sago Palm bonsai can sell for ₹3,000 - ₹10,000.

References

• National Horticulture Board – Cycas Cultivation

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

• Agri Farming – Sago Palm Cultivation

• KisanNet – Cycas Plant Guide