How to care for a sago palm

How to care for a sago palm

Our tips for helping it grow healthy and strong

The sago palm, scientifically known as Cycas revoluta, is a fascinating shrub native to Japan. In our company, the sago palm is appreciated for its elegance and ability to add an exotic touch to any space. With its stiff, feathery leaves, it is a plant that stands out and, with the right care, can become a real green jewel.

The right spot

The sago palm prefers bright but indirect light. It is important to place it somewhere it can get plenty of light without being exposed to direct sunlight, which could damage its leaves. A bright, well-ventilated environment is ideal for this plant.

Illustration: place the sago palm near a window with indirect light
The right spot for your plant

When and how to water it

In summer, we recommend watering your sago palm every 7 days, while in winter, every 14 days is enough. It is essential to check the soil moisture with your finger and water only when it feels dry to the touch. This helps prevent root rot.

Annual watering schedule for the sago palm, with different frequencies in summer and winter
The watering schedule throughout the year

Temperature and humidity

The sago palm thrives at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, but can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C. It is important to maintain a moderate humidity level, between 40% and 60%, to ensure its well-being.

Thermometer with the ideal temperature range and humidity bar for the sago palm
Comfortable temperature and humidity

The right fertilizer

During the active growing season, in spring and summer, we recommend using a balanced liquid fertilizer every 30 days. This will help your sago palm grow healthily and vigorously.

The pot and soil

For your sago palm, choose well-draining soil made of peat, sand, and perlite. This mix ensures good drainage and prevents excess moisture from building up. Repotting is not needed often, but can be done when the plant outgrows its current pot.

How to propagate it

The sago palm can be propagated by dividing offsets. This process is moderately difficult, but with a little patience, the offsets can be removed and planted separately to grow new plants.

Our final tip

The sago palm requires little but precise care. Make sure not to overwater it and place it in a bright spot. With this simple care, your sago palm will become a beautiful addition to your green space.

— Giulia's Gardens

Verified care data

This data comes directly from the validated botanical profile used to generate the guide.

Light
medium-high · Prefers bright but indirect light.
Watering
7 days in summer · 14 days in winter · Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. · Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Temperature
15 °C ideal minimum · 25 °C ideal maximum · 5 °C tolerated minimum · 35 °C tolerated maximum
Humidity
moderate · 40% minimum · 60% maximum
Fertilizing
Balanced liquid fertilizer · spring-summer · 30 days
Propagation
Offset division · Moderate · Offsets can be removed and planted separately.