I would then put it in the greenhouse for the winter. Some of the most popular choices include: 1. It seems he has a female and male sago palm that he was wanting to "give" away. After several years, they may reach 2 to 3 feet. Put it in shade for now. Get rid of the weeds around the sago palms to prevent insects that carry spores get into the sago palm. What are the Most Common Pothos Pests and Diseases? They don't take eight years to mature they take at least 50. One of the most distinctive features of these plants is their leaves, which are long, thin, and curl up at the edges. The lean is taking it right through the path. Maybe I got one that was diseased? USDA hardiness zones are 9 and 10 for our sago palms. We provide a wide range of information from indoor to outdoor plants to product recommendations to make your gardening experience the best it can possibly be. But when in doubt, rip it out, is the best policy." Since then I never let the sago go without attention for more than 9 months. It has been growing in the ground since then and is now 5 feet high. I will keep it in mind. 3) Placing them in Cold Temperatures Cold weather hampers your sago palms from uptaking nutrients from the soil. Sago palm fronds should be a deep, rich green, without any brown at the center or around the edges. Using that care for the winter coming up, all you can do is see what happens in the spring. We planted a Sago palm last May, and I cut off the pup at the base. That would be up to you. We plant any that are bigger than 2-3 inches. Big No! The one pictured on this page is now seven feet tall because each year new growth is added to the top. James, Your older plant may need repotting. These pests look a little bit like cotton, but theyre actually soft-bodied insects. Once your male plant is established and has a thick two- to three-foot trunk, you will see the branching effect. Unfortunately that was a false sense of security. These slow-growing plants produce a new set of leaves every year. They can survive until the temperature falls a little below freezing. If you are lucky, you will see a new flush of leaves when the weather gets sunny and warm. Queen sagos are bigger and more tree-like than kings, reaching 15 feet in height and 12 feet in width. 3. So happy Sago'ing' as when kept well, they are a good looking landscape plant. But If you have old ones it is definately a love - hate relationship as has been said. The babies are no better. Giving too much fertilizer to your sago palm can cause the leaves to droop and develop a yellowish tinge. The name of Sago Palm may indicate that it is a palm, but it is rather a . They still survive in temperatures as low 45 F (7.2C) but do not grow at all. I am thinking about buying few of them to plant them around my house and between my house and the swimming pool with sea water, I am planning to build. One reason for yellowing leaves is overwatering. Hot midday sun will be too much for tender start-ups. (2014). Is Aspen Good Firewood? Take caution to not let them grow for too long. w9 for landlord for rental assistance. Your link has been automatically embedded. Keep it straight for the rest of the season with three 2x4's angled against the trunk at three spots equidistant around the trunk. Most I see here in S. Nevada do well, but people, one does need to moisten their soil every day or two in summer (85 degrees-115degrees). The flowers of the sago palm are white and are borne in clusters at the tips of the leaves. However, they are particularly my favorite in landscaping palms. How To Use: Apply to cups of fertilizer per foot of height for sago palms planted in the ground. If you move your palms from one place to another quite often then your plants may go into a state of shock. Answer: The female sago does have a horizontal growth pattern that the male does not exhibit. Hydrangea is a tiny tree or plant resembling a tree. I have few questions you may be able to answer. I don't even know if they grow where I live. This plant has a thick skin of armor. Once it set leaves in winter with low light and short days , the leaves where fabulously large . The do not have to ingest much. The Sago is very widely available now and most tree removal companies prefer tall palms and the more exotic cycads. Answer: Is it in a pot? Palm propagation typically occurs by planting seeds. They said it wouldn't grow in upstate S.C. but i have had ten years and i am 20 miles from Hogback Mountain. The essential growth occurs from April to mid-September. If you put it inground the first year will be time to acclimate. It's like Christmas or something. I have a large plant with five feet of clean trunk, and the pup in question already blooms (female), and has a head that is a foot in diameter. So make sure the soil surface dries out in between waterings. Using long-handled loppers can make this process a little easier. We always have pups set in pots for backups or for sale and to give away. Ana Maria Orantes from Miami Florida on February 26, 2019: Thank you for the advice. The three dogs we have had never became, in any way, interested in it to chew the parts. See photos below. No water unless it is 45 degrees or more for a few days. Answer: No, do not remove them. Do it quickly and don't let the shaved root ball sit in the sun for any length of time. 5 year high 42.2C/108F (07/06/2018)--5 year low2.3C/36F (12/27/2015)--Lowest recent/current winter: 3C/37F (2/24/2022). What is causing this and how should I treat it? I managed to trim the outside part, but the interiors are a bit trickier to get to. Center the offshoot in the pot and fill in the sides with potting soil. Method 4: Prune Your Anthurium. Apply a Magnesium Supplement It has started to get sprouts along the trunk 2 and 3 feet from the ground. No pests. These pests suck the sap out of the leaves of the sago palm, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. Indoor plants can be moved outside in warm weather as long as the container is in dappled sunlight. I'm also in so cal." Try to move the pups back and forth to loosen them so that they can easily be detached. Sherry Venegas (author), "We do not have them in our yard but many of our neighbors do. Cut slits in the fabric, being careful not to cut through to the other side. Answer: Sagos are trees that grow like palms and there is no way to control the height of growing sagos. Pasted as rich text. When the new leaves unfold make sure you're spraying regularly with a neem oil product. Usually one flush is produced in the spring. So short ? Grow Cycas revoluta in free-draining soil or compost in full sun. Leave the cones on till they are dried, then break them off. Soils with pH at the extreme ends can make it difficult to retain manganese as well. My 6' high female Sega Palm is dropping the fronds around the top. It took 3hrs to remove the smaller one by digging around the root base 15-20cm away from the trunk using a mattock. Answer: Potted sagos do not do well in midday hot sun during the summer. The plant is toxic to humans and pets. Sagos are beautiful accent plants for larger areas in a yard. It is one of the MOST poisonous plants to mammals. You can also use slow-release fertilizer two to three times during the growing season, following package instructions. There is some chance that a pup will take root. My house was built in the 50s and when I bought it 3 years ago, there was a big sago palm just like yours in the front yard. I will bring it back in in the winter. I think the exotic look is okay. Extensively damaged fronds should be completely clipped. For container plants, a potting mix made for cactus or palms should be suitable. Naturally, they are found in tropical areas and like to grow in places with a warm temperature. They are easy to grow, transplant, and propagate, but as you say, they are slow growers. I've got two potted sagos, one for about 15 years, the other for about 8 years and seven boston terriers who have never gone near them. So I'm going to start cutting. Fertilize during the growing season with a slow-release fertilizer with micronutrients designed for palms. Another method is to use neem pesticide oil. Explore More Watering a sago palm too much or too little may also result in yellow sago palm fronds. : Causes and Solutions. Should I cut and trim the entire Palm now, or wait until the warmer weather returns ? These plants do not like severe temperature fluctuations. and not only for animals for people as well:(. But Darold's method is way better because you get to retain all the leaves. Were those scrawny brown ones healthy? The other species include: Only prune sago palm when the leaves have turned completely brown. They also like humidity, supplemented by misting them regularly with clean water from a spray bottle. Let dry out before watering again. I would give it ground protection, such as, mulch or wood chips. Pulling the tree upright with a stake and wire will not work. Sago Palm Care. I was given a sago palm and it was planted in a pot. Answer: You must have trimmed off old fronds? Generally, landscapers no longer desire mature specimens as stock. I thought; I was doing something wrong with my palm plant, or I thought the plant was bad. the very sharp tip went into his hand between his thumb and index finger and didnt know it just that it hurt. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Happy Valentines. 12 inch diameter main trunk, about 24 inches long. The stout trunk and the crown of bright green fronds make them quite attractive for landscaping. Taking care of them is a part time job. They have been around since prehistoric times and give a tropical vibe wherever they are placed. Only repot or transplant new pups inground if they have formed extensive root systems. Just shave the whole trunk of pups and buzz off the fronds from underneath. The flush of the new fronds was thin this spring. It has a slender trunk and long, graceful leaves, and produces yellowish-orange fruit. Does it need a bigger pot? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Take a knife and keep it immersed in a bleach solution (10% bleach and 90% water) around half an hour. Yikes. By curling up, the leaves reduce the amount of sunlight that the plant is exposed to, which helps to prevent the plant from getting too much sun damage. There are some other things you can do to fix yellow leaves, depending on the cause. In addition, I have two German Shepherds pups that I'm trying to train not to get into everything. Making the leaves wet will expose the plants to fungal attacks and also makes the fronds turn yellow. Neem oil works wonders in these kinds of situations and helps keep the nasty bugs from coming back again. I would plant another if I had the room. Then put 6 inches (15.2 cm) of sand in the bottom of the hole. The nurseries I have talked to say just to leave it alone. Some links in the post are affiliate links and I get a commission from purchases made through some links found in the post. I would not substitute the mix for what they suggest. I live in South Florida and have 8 gigantic sagos to take care of. Sago palms thrive on the regular rainfall in tropical and semi-tropical climates. My 16 yr old Sagos are 8' tall. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. My sago in Southern California has not flushed which seems late in the season. Can it be rescued? Is actually 4 cones growing. Naturally, the new leaflets that emerge from the main stem are curled and slowly straighten up to form proper fronds. Art, "We have three established sagos. Sago palm develops pups or offsets that look like baby plants that grow in clusters at the base of the plant. Will just continue to admire our neighbor's sago palms. Cycad scale is a real pain and you see fewer sagos being used in new landscaping because of it. It was, as I have learned on this site, a "crown". Poor young guy. If you get 10 or more inches of rain a year try not watering at all. Stay with one or maybe two plants so you don't get overwhelmed. We have lived in this house since 2001 & they were already here. I will do all necessary maintenance needed to keep this look. Holy crap, you folks sound as if the sago palm is a creature lurking in the dark, ready to eat you. One ounce is sufficient for a very small plant in sandy, acidic soil. Its ideal for growing in a container, which you can move outside in summer, however it is possible to grow it outside in milder regions of the UK, as long as winter protection is provided. Question: I acquired a potted sago when we purchased our home here in Michigan. Considering Southern CA has had 1 of the worst droughts ever over the past 7 years (& I stopped watering long ago), these trees have surprisingly survived when other palm species have died off & I needed to have others removed altogether. Are they easy to maintain? No seeds in it. Sherry Venegas (author) from La Verne, CA on January 19, 2018: Frank, did you see the comment I posted yesterday? These plants are slow growing and if purchased small can be in an indoor pot for years. It's a little harder to move but I've had better luck by doing so. Don't sink it past the crown and keep it well watered for a while especially if it's hot. Firmly grip the container with one hand and the trunk of the plant with the other. I would not have one where children will play. Start cutting off the spears from underneath the spears at the bottom. Have King Sago in Wilmington NC, seemingly 20 plus years old, 24 plus rings. They are slow-growing, taking as long as 50 years to reach their full height. This is hard work, but I hope my experience may be helpful. Hotter than that may need a little more TLC and checking the soil for moistness. Beware of the indoor plant and young dogs or any dog that likes to chew on things around the house. Do need a lot of water, sun or shade? We did water our sorry looking lawn a little and the birch in our sink faired okay. They only require a modest amount of water but they shouldnt be left to dry up completely. We decided to get one to block the line of view of the neighborhood mail box and our front window. It is an ornament, so to speak. When watering, soak the soil taking care not to overdo it. How do you know if your cycas pups are still alive? She was growing a new set of leaves a few months back. Move the location so it does not get direct afternoon sun and let dry out between watering. 4 of my sagos are males making cones, and 2 of my sagos are females making flowers, with no fronds at all. Seems it will straighten itself out in its own. If fighting scale is a part of sago maintainance in your area, be ready for a lot of extra work. In cooler climates, they're often grown as houseplants. Scale insects are another common problem with sago palms. "Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas, "Should you remove the gold crown from the top of the male. Thanks for the great article. Question: My sago palm Is overgrown with pups that are large surrounding entire original sago. A sago was planted right next to the foundation of the house. It can kill if digested." The proper way to plant a tree is to maintain its shape and health, but excessive clipping should never be done. She is still rumbustious and curious as pups are. Question: I live in the Florida Panhandle. However I owned a sawzal/reciprocating saw & this is much more effective giving a sawing action as on the bigger male plant I had to cut away the larger pups as I could not pry them off with a large metal bar. So why does this article advise on all the hard work to care for a Sago Palm? When grown indoors, protect your sago palm from drafts and airflow from heating and air-conditioning vents; extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the plant. I tie them vertical with a 'U' shaped piece of plastic on the far side, away from the fence, using copper wire (no rust). First, soak them in warm water at about 50 for about 24 hours, and then soak them in diluted hydrochloric acid for 10-15 minutes. You May Be Surprised! Apply to the soil to fix the deficiency and help sago palms grow green again. Another fungus called Ganoderma zonatum is commonly found to degrade the trunks of Sago palms. They do need a lot of TLC but if you love gardening, the pruning isn't as bad as portrayed. Furthermore, coffee grounds can contribute to soil acidity, so it's best to avoid using them on plants such as century plants, lavender, orchids, sago palm, yucca, and rosemary that prefer acidic soil. It causes rapid liver failure. During very warm, dry weather, keep your sago happy by deep-watering it every two weeks or so. I think they are dangerous. Sherry Venegas (author) from La Verne, CA on June 04, 2019: Putting it outside for the spring, summer, and early fall would be ok. Sherry Venegas (author) from La Verne, CA on September 13, 2017: Big job, Helen. Sherry Venegas (author) from La Verne, CA on September 30, 2019: Removing the pups, as you thought, is not the problem. Angle your current pot sideways and clasp the base of the palm in one hand. Can these above-ground pups be pruned off safely without harming the adult plant? Sago palm doesnt like to be disturbed frequently. Long gloves, a branch lopper and trenching shovel are the tools I use. I mentioned my big back yard. In this article, we will troubleshoot some of the most common sago palm problems and provide solutions for each one. We love them! These new leaves are quite vulnerable when they first come out. Last Modified Date: December 06, 2022. Answer: Make sure the sago is not getting regular water from a sprinkling system. To calculate how much fertilizer you need, figure you will need about 1 1/2 pounds of sago palm fertilizerfor every 100 square feet of ground. c) The adhesive from sago flour (10%) and hot water at 98.6C, mixed with the charcoal particle manually. Second, I would like to limit the growth of the palm to 5-6 feet. Please Advise.. Sherry Venegas (author) from La Verne, CA on January 18, 2018: Myrtle Beach, Oregon? Any suggestions? (COLD MICHIGAN!) These Sago Palm are slow growing perennial plant trees that live for many years and Cycas revoluta caring requirements are minimum. I honestly think our three plants are enough. Keep nursing your transplanted pups; they will look better next year. Fungal diseases are the most common problem with sago palms, and they can be difficult to control. 5 Step 5 - Water and Watch. It has has just the one frond and hasnt added ant other growth. I wanted to get rid of it until I noticed the cones coming out. You should irrigate your plant only when the soil is quite dry. The fruit of the sago palm is a black, spherical drupe. I am thrilled! Just love palms I guess. Don't ever plant Bamboo! Answer: I would put it in a bigger pot with lots of drainage. Both of these diseases are caused by fungi that infect the leaves of the sago palm, causing them to turn brown or black. To prevent plant death, provide winter protection. Uncover the plant when the frost melts away the next day. Matt Bradford "Manambe Lavaka" Spring Valley, CA (8.5 miles inland from San Diego Bay) 10B on the hill (635 ft. elevation) 9B in the canyon (520 ft. elevation) Thumdar And what about the pups on top of pups that grow at the bottom? How to Grow Sago Palms - Source: Paul Plantu Key Takeaways. All portions of the plant are toxic, but especially the seeds. When do I cut this or do I cut this off. You will need a hand trowel, knife, or scissors; a container; and well-draining soil suitable for palm trees. Just don't cut into the underground trunk. They are a pain to maintain ..we LOVE the plant. The tree owner will probably be happy to part with the sucker for free, especially if you offer to help separate the pup from the mature tree! It has a single vertical stem straight about 7-8 ft tall. Have a great day, Richard. Paired with other dangerous plants, such as cacti, they provide a beautiful rock garden scene. Generally, they grow larger when planted in the ground versus when they're in containers. One flush of leaves is all you are going to get each year. Needless to say, all the fronds turned brown and had to be cut off this spring. Avoid putting a Sago palm near heaters, air conditioners, or cold drafts. Question: How come the pups I harvested near the beginning of 2019 are not showing any new growth? There are a few things you can do to prevent or control pests and diseases of sago palms. They do not need much water, and can even tolerate some neglect. I have been happy with one or two new pups sprouting a year and hoping they grow bigger in the next three or four years. Grow your sago palm in loose, well-draining soil or a cactus-suitable potting mixture. We live in Central Florida, have had sagos at two houses we've owned. I would go for good spacing between each tallest tree. Do I still need to remove the roots and leaves and let it dry out for a week, or can I just plant it? Ordinary composts dont benefit Sago palms that much. This brown fungus attacks the bark when ample moisture is present. Do you think the female could survive if we cut off the dead head and let the pups go? 3 fronds are growing out of the middle and they are twice as long as the original fronds. Sorry to see people being discouraged from planting them. Sago palms in sandy, acidic soils require less manganese sulfate than those in high pH soils.