Page 34 - Intra Muros March 2024

GARDENING

GROWING CYCADS

By Elize Malan

n this article, I will be discussing Cycas
revoluta, also known as the sago palm.
IOur indigenous cycads (Encephalartos
species) are more collector items since
you need a permit to have the plants in
your garden or propagate plants from
seeds.

Sago palms are not palms but belong to
the family of cone bearing conifers and are
dioecious plants.

It is important to know, that all parts of
Cycas revoluta (Sago palms) are extremely
poisonous to both humans and animals if
ingested.

Appearance of the male and female plants
is identical until they start flowering.
This may occur once every 3 years when Pups
the mature plant is at least 10 years old. These are usually harvested from the base
The male plant will produce a tall cone of a mature plant. Use a spade or chisel and
while the female plant has a fluffy cream hammer to remove the small bulb. Replant
coloured basket in the centre of the plant. it in well-drained soil with the bulb half-way
above soil level. Keep it moist but do not
Propagating Cycas revoluta (‘Cycas’) overwater as rotting will occur.
Cycas do not like to be transplanted. Spring Regular treatment with a contact poison
would however be the best time. After A frequent question asked is “why does my (e.g. Cypermethrin) on young leaves, will
removing the Cyca from the soil transfer it plant have yellow leaves?” prevent the moth eggs from hatching.
immediately to a pre-dug plant hole. The
plant should be slightly above its previous This can be prevented by the following: Cycas revoluta plants are a low maintenance
level in the soil. It can take two years for • Well-drained soil is the most important feature plant and with little effort will add
the plant to resume active growth. factor to ensure healthy growth. years of visual pleasure to a garden!
• Water the plant only when the top 10 cm
The plants can be propagated from fertile of soil appears dry. References:
https://kumbulanursery.co.za/blog/cycads-beware-
seeds or pups that are removed from a • Fertilize twice per year with a good quality this-pretty-moth
mature plant, but it requires patience. organic fertilizer. https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/
• The crown of the plant should not be AJA10213589_82
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/ornamentals/
Seeds covered by soil, compost or leaves from grow-sago-palm/
https://www.gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za/large-
The fruit is harvested when it is ripe and surrounding plants. plants/japanese-sago-palmcycas-revoluta
the orange skin is removed. Place the
Tel: 012 804 1807
clean seeds in a bucket of water and only A seasonal pest is a small caterpillar that will Fax: 012 804 0278
use the seeds that sink to the bottom. destroy new leaves within twenty-four hours. Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Floating seeds are not fertile. These tender featherlike leaves emerge all at Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
once in a crowning or circular pattern.
Press seeds into pots filled with a good
quality potting soil - one seed per pot with A day flying moth (Leopard Magpie Moth)
the seed visible. Place in a shady area and will lay eggs on the new leaves. The larvae or
keep moist. Seeds will start to germinate caterpillar appear twig like, but their appetite
after four months. is ferocious.

32 | INTRAMUROS MARCH 2024