Sago Palm
How to care for your Sago Palm
Use these instructions to care for an Sago Palm. This guide will tell you how to water an Sago Palm; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.
Japanese Sago Palm
Light
Your Sago Palm would enjoy sitting in indirect to direct, bright light. So an east, west, or south-facing window would provide just the right amount of sunlight for your plant. However, be sure not to expose your Sago Palm prolonged afternoon sunshine to avoid scorching the leaves.
Water
Water your Sago Palm when 75% of the soil volume is dry or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Your Sago Palm appreciates a thorough watering but doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil. Keeping the soil moist but completely drained benefits your plant the most.
Humidity
Your Sago Palm doesn’t require extremely high humidity but thrive with a pebble tray underneath its pot. Likewise, misting the leaves provides enough moisture since this plant can tolerate average household humidity levels.
Temperature
Your Sago Palm loves warm temperatures between 65-75°F. If moved outdoors for the summer, Sago Palms don’t mind the heat but will need to be watered more frequently and moved to partial shade to avoid scorching the leaves. While indoors, keep your Sago Palm away from drafts and vents.
Food
Your Sago Palm needs monthly feedings from spring until fall. A liquid fertilizer with an 18-8-18 ratio that’s diluted provides optimal nutrition for your plant. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer two or three times during your plant’s growing season. Just be sure to follow the instructions closely.
Toxicity
Sago Palms are considered highly toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
AdditionalCare
Aside from bright light and occasional fertilizer, your Sago Palm doesn’t require much care. It is susceptible to root rot, especially in the fall and winter months, so take care not to overwater it. The plant naturally sheds its lower leaves as it grows. As these leaves begin to yellow, they can be removed with a sharp cutting tool.
Common Issues for your Sago Palm
Grow Beyond Expectations
Shop PlantsWhat's a Sago Palm?
Botanical Classification: Cycas revoluta
About
Native to Japan, the Sago Palm loves hot weather and prefers to dry out between waterings. Choose an area with the brightest possible light—a few hours of direct sunlight each day are preferred, but not required. As the plant grows from the top, it will naturally shed lower leaves. Feel free to snip these leaves close to the stem with a pair of pruners. Keep your Sago Palm away from curious children and pets as this plant is toxic if ingested.
Fun Fact
Sago palms are cycads, which are not actually in the palm family at all. Cyacds are some of the oldest plants coming from the Jurassic period.