
The other species include:
- Cycas rumphii (queen sago): This plant grows more like a tree than a shrub, reaching around 15 feet tall.
- Cycas circinalis (queen sago palm): This plant also is tree-like, reaching around 10 feet tall, and is native to India.
- Metroxylon sagu (true sago palm): Unlike Cycas revoluta, this plant is a true palm that’s part of the botanical family that contains other popular palm trees.
How poisonous is a sago palm?
Sago palm is known to be poisonous and sago separation includes careful processes to remove these toxins, before they are edible. Intake of sago before proper processing to remove toxins can cause vomiting, liver damage, and even death. Recent evidence indicates that the toxins have neurotoxic effects and now it is considered to be a slow poison.
Is the sago palm dangerous to adult humans?
While sago palms (Cycas revoluta) might look innocuous and inviting, the hardy plants are highly poisonous to both human beings and pets. Cycads have several uses, from in containers in living rooms to shrub borders outdoors. Sago palms grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 10.
How much do sago palms cost?
You may find cheaper plants in local florists or nurseries or at farmers’ markets. A Sago palm will generally cost about $20 for a plant that’s 12 inches tall. Smaller plants may be available for between $5 and $15. Price increases considerably the larger the plant gets, with a 24 inch Sago Palm likely to fetch over $100.
What is the lowest temperature for sago palms?
Zone 9 is the lowest USDA zone where sagos are hardy, in which the average extreme winter lows are 20 degrees to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA plant hardiness map. Sago palms tolerate temperatures ranging between 15 degrees to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Bonsai Outlet.

Are there different varieties of sago palms?
3 Sago Palm Species Plants typically referred to as sago palms include: 1. King sago palm: By far the most popular sago palm houseplant, king sago palms (Cycas revoluta) are native to southern Japan, which is why they're also known as Japanese sagos.
Is there a difference between sago and king sago?
Sago palms have a thick shaggy or hairy looking trunk. Sago palms are not true palm trees, but rather a type of ornamental cycad. Easy-to-grow sago palms are also called king sago, cycad palm, sago cycad, or Japanese sago palm. Sago palms are cold-hardy popular landscape plants for tropical gardens.
What is the difference between king and queen sago?
Sago Palm Quick Facts Females (queens) grow to be 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Males (kings) reach a height and width of 8 feet. Sagos don't flower but do produce large, cone-like structures after about 15 years of growth.
How do I identify a sago palm?
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) Leaves are glossy green, pinnately-compound and three to four feet long. Leaflets are stiff and dark green. This plant is dioecious with a cylindrical cone borne in the center of the male plant.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female sago palm?
The fruiting cones illustrate the sex of the plant whether male or female and sex of the plant can only be determined by the cones. You can't look under the leaves and determine sex! The tall slender cones, you guessed it, is of course, the male which produces pollen to fertilize the female cone on the female plants.
Will a sago palm grow back if cut off?
A palm tree cannot heal itself if you cut the trunk. If you cut off a palm tree at the trunk, it will not grow back. Palm tree growth occurs only at the growing tip, sometimes called a crownshaft, at the top of the trunk, and cutting off this growing tip by severing the trunk kills the plant.
Should I cut yellow leaves off sago palm?
Even as yellow leaves are dying, they are still absorbing nutrients which, if removed, could stunt plant growth or leave it susceptible to infections. Therefore, it's best only to try trimming sago palm fronds and growth that are dead, which will be brown.
How long do sago palms live?
Although very slow growing, Sago Palms are extremely long-lived, with some specimens having a life span of over 200 years. Requirements: Sago Palms grow in full sun or partial shade, and are drought-tolerant. They prefer rich soil, but are tough enough to grow in almost any soil.
Can a sago palm be both male and female?
Cycads are dioecious, having both male and females. When the sago plants have sexually matured, the female sagos begin to flower producing a basketball-sized structure. The male sago produces a long thick structure, or the male cone.
What does a male sago palm look like?
As stated previously, sago palms are either male or female. Females form a flat, slightly rounded cone with rich, golden tones. The male cone resembles a pine cone and is more erect, growing up to 24 inches (61 cm.) tall.
What does sago palms do to dogs?
Sago palm contains cycasin, which is the primary active toxic agent resulting in severe liver failure in dogs. Ingestion results in acute gastrointestinal signs (e.g., drooling, inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea) within 15 minutes to several hours after ingestion.
How tall will a sago palm grow?
Sago palm height outdoors can grow to 10 feet, so think carefully about the eventual size when you plant them. It takes about 8 years for the plant to reach a mature size and even longer to become fully mature.
Are tapioca pearls and sago the same?
Sago is an edible starch that is made from the pith of an array of tropical palm trees. It's a staple food in parts of the tropics. Tapioca pearls, on the other hand, are made with tapioca or the starch from cassava, a root crop. Using either starch is not always interchangeable.
Is sago same as Sabudana?
Sabudana, also known as tapioca pearl or sago, is a starch extracted from the roots of tapioca and processed into pearl-like spears. It contains a high amount of carbohydrates, making it a fast energy booster.
Is tapioca starch and sago the same?
What is the Difference Between Tapioca and Sago? The key difference between tapioca and sago is that tapioca is made with starch from cassava roots while sago is an edible starch that is made from the pith of tropical palm trees. Moreover, tapioca is available in a variety of colours, whereas sago is typically white.
What is sago in English?
In English, sago (pronounced “say-goh”) refers to a palm from which starch is extracted. In the Philippines, when you say sagó (“sah-go”) the first thing that springs to mind is something that looks like the tapioca pearls used in boba drinks in the United States.
How big are sago palms?
The Different Sizes of Sago Palms. Long-lived, slow-growing sago palm (Cycas revoluta) has 2- to 3-feet-long leaves and with age, a trunk, giving it the appearance of a miniature palm. However, it belongs to the cycad plant order, a primitive group unrelated to palms.
When did the Sago palms first appear?
Sago palm's ancestors dominated Mesozoic forests 65 to 230 million years ago and were probably dinosaur food. If you want a sizable sago palm and you're not prepared to invest the time to grow one, be prepared to pay a steep price.
How often do sago palms flower?
The leaves cover about a 6-foot area. Sago palms of all sizes have just one set of new leaves a year, but they usually don't produce leaves if they're going to flower. Plants don't flower every year even when they are old enough, producing a cone around every two or three years.
How fast do sago palms grow?
Sago palms usually grow 1 to 2 inches a year, but the rate varies according to local climate and growing practices. Give sago palms a well-draining potting mix similar to cactus potting soil and make sure the container has drainage holes. Sago palm is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.
How long does it take for a sago palm to grow?
It takes about 50 years for a sago palm to reach its mature size of 10 to 12 feet tall with an equal leaf spread. Plants can remain single-trunked or multiple branches develop with age, giving sago palm almost a shrubby aspect. Long-lived sago palms can live to be over 100 years old.
Can you grow a sago palm in a container?
Growing sago palm in a container will slow down the already slow growth, but if you want to maintain it as a houseplant, this is desirable. In its native Japan, artisans make a virtue of sago palm's slow growth when root-bound and treat it as a bonsai subject.
How to grow a sago palm from seed?
Sago palms are bright red to orange-hued. The seeds contain toxins, so wear gloves when handling them. To prepare the seeds, soak them in room temperature water to soften them and remove the outer husk. Plant them in a shallow seed starting tray or pot. Cover the seeds with a sand-based seed starting mix and place them in a warm spot. Keep the soil moist as you wait for the seedling to emerge. Like many large seeds, be prepared to wait patiently. Sago palm seed germination can take several months.
How to propagate a sago palm?
You can more easily propagate sago palms by division. When grown under ideal conditions, sago palms may send up clusters of new plants around their base. These baby plants can be removed from the parent plant by cutting them at the trunk with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving as many roots attached as possible.
What does a black spot on a sago plant look like?
Even if your plant has recovered from an insect strike, you might notice small black spots that look like dirt or soot on leaves or stems. Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on the secretions that tiny bugs leave behind. This fungus can be washed off the sago's leaves with a steady stream of water on each spot. The fungus will not feed on the sago, but it will grow if left unchecked and can overtake a plant's leaves, affecting chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.
Why are my sage leaves yellow?
Yellowing is common in older, outer leaves and can be attributed to the life cycle of that leaf. The bottom-most, lower ring of leaves are the oldest. Do not remove the leaves until they turn brown and die.
How long does it take for a sage plant to grow?
These plants are extremely slow-growing, gaining only a few inches annually, and may only produce one new frond each year. Its feather-like foliage grows out in a symmetrical ring. Generally, they grow larger when planted in the ground versus when they're in containers. After several years, they may reach 2 to 3 feet. Getting to its maximum of 10 feet can take as long as 50 years. The plant is toxic to humans and pets. 12
Do sago palms have bugs?
Sago palms don't have serious issues with pests or diseases. But scale and spider mites can become problematic. Look out for foliage damage or discoloration, as well as tiny bugs among the fronds. Aim to use a natural insecticide before turning to harsher chemicals, and make sure your plant has enough humidity and airflow.
Is a sago palm toxic to humans?
All parts of the sago palm are toxic to humans and animals when ingested, but the seeds (nuts) are the most toxic part. The toxin, called cycasin, attacks the liver causing a broad range of symptoms. If you have small children or pets, take care to keep this plant away from them.
How big do sago palms get?
The sago palm bonsai looks like a miniature version of the full-size palm tree. The small palms grow to between 6” and 12” (15 – 30 cm) high. Sago cycad bonsai palms need plenty of sunlight to grow well.
Where is the King Sago Palm native to?
The king sago palm ( Cycas revoluta) is different from the queen sago palm ( Cycas circinalis ). The king sago is native to Japan and is sometimes called the Japanese sago. The queen sago is native to southern India and Sri Lanka but is also a popular landscape plant in Hawaii.
What is the best climate for a sago palm tree?
Sago palms need above average humidity to thrive. Southern states such as Florida have the ideal climate for growing sago palm trees.
Why are my sago palm leaves turning yellow?
Sago Palm with Yellow Fronds. Yellowing leaves of sago palm are usually caused by nutrient deficiency or the soil being to dry/damp. A nutrient deficiency usually causes yellow fronds on a sago palm. A lack of potassium, magnesium, or nitrogen can result in the lush, spiky palm leaves losing their color.
How long does it take for a sago palm to grow?
Sago palms are slow growing plants and in ideal growing conditions they can reach heights of 12 ft. (3.5 m) after 50 years. It takes 10 years for sago palms to reach maturity and flower for the first time. This article is a complete guide to growing sago palms in your garden or indoors.
What family is a sago cycad?
Palm trees belong to a completely different plant family called Arecaceae. Although sago cycads look like palm trees, there are some differences between cycad palms and real palm trees. Unlike palm trees, sago palms don’t have seeds that are enclosed in fruits.
How to propagate a sago palm?
Here is how to propagate sago palms using pups or offsets: 1 Look for small offsets around the base of a mature sago palm and carefully remove them to get the entire stem 2 If you can’t pull out the offset, use a sharp saw to separate the pup from the plant. 3 Rinse the cut end of the sago palm pup and remove any roots. 4 Leave the pup in a shaded spot for seven days until the wounded end has callused. 5 Plant the sago palm cutting in a pot or a suitable location in your backyard. 6 Water thoroughly to encourage growth.
What is a sago palm?
Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm), with multiple "clumps". (click photo to enlarge) Introduction. The Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, is a cold hardy cycad that attains good size and has become a very popular landscape item It is the most common cycad used in landscape today. But most people don’t realize that it is not a palm at all.
What is the scientific name for the Sago Palm?
Therefore as a group, cycads are often referred to as “living fossils”. The scientific name for the Sago Palm is Cycas revoluta.
How deep should I plant Sago Palms?
First, do give ample root depth by picking a pot or container that is deep. By this I mean preferably a pot 16 inches deep or more (a smaller container can be used when the plant is small).
How big do Sago palms get?
Sago Palms have erect, sturdy trunks that are typically about one to two feet in diameter, sometimes wider and can grow into very old specimens with twenty feet of trunk. The leaves are a dark olive green and about three to four feet long when the plants are of a reproductive age.
How many types of cycads are there?
Rather this plant is a Cycad, a totally different type of plant. There are over 200 different types of cycads. Cycads are a group of plants that are very primitive in their origins. Fossils have been found on almost every continent on the planet.
Why won't my Sago Palm plant put out new leaves?
“My Sago Palm hasn’t put out leaves for several years. What’s wrong?”#N#Failure to put out new leaves can be from many causes. Perhaps your plant is not in enough sun or your locality is too cold for good growth. It could be that there is an unrecognized root problem or rot. It could be the plant is nutritionally starved. Or, the plant may be getting ready to put out its reproductive cone. We usually recommend correcting cultural problems and giving the plant time. Most plants grown well will eventually put out new leaves.
When do sagos throw new leaves?
Sagos typically throw a new set of leaves during the Spring or Summer. Because the Sago Palm is grown so much commercially, it is not in any way threatened by extinction. Some refer to it as the "palm sago" or "sego palm", but the true common name is "Sago Palm".
What are the different types of palm trees?
Top 7 Categories of Palm Trees 1 Small Palm Trees – Also known as Dwarf Palms or Miniature Palms, these palms don’t get taller than 20ft. Since they are usually slow growing, we don’t need to have a separate category for that. 2 Fast Growing Palm Trees – These palms grow faster comparing to other palm species. Some of them can grow at the rate of 2.5 feet per year. 3 Cold Tolerant Palm Trees – Also known as Cold Hardy Palms, these palms can tolerate cold temperatures down to 5-20F and can survive in USDA Zone 8 and even 7b. 4 Fruit Producing Palm Trees – These palms produce tasty fruits that can be used in cooked or raw form. 5 High Drought Tolerant Palms – Some palms can survive drought much better that others. These palms are usually very durable and very adaptable. 6 Highly Salt Tolerant Palms – These palms are highly resistant to salt spray and can be used along the coast. 7 Indoor Palms – Most small palms make a great container plant. Especially those that adapt to wide range of soils and don’t mind low humidity.
What is the best palm tree for small landscapes?
Here is top 5 most popular small palm trees: 1. European Fan Palm ( Chamaerops humilis) European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis). Photo by Flickr.
What zone is Pindo Palm in?
While this is one of the most cold tolerant palms that can tolerate cold down to 10 F, it performs best in the USDA Zone 10B. The arching blue-green leaves top 18 inches thick trunk that is covered with old leaf bases. The Pindo Palm is widely adaptable and is very drought tolerant. Perfect as a focal point.
What zone do palm trees grow in?
Cold Tolerant Palm Trees. Most palms like warm weather, but there are some palms that can tolerate low temperatures down to 10 – 15F so you can grow them in Zone 8. There are also northern palm trees, also called cold hardy palms, that can survive even lower temperatures but they have to be well established.
What is the best temperature for palm trees?
Cold Tolerant Palm Trees – Also known as Cold Hardy Palms, these palms can tolerate cold temperatures down to 5-20F and can survive in USDA Zone 8 and even 7b. Fruit Producing Palm Trees – These palms produce tasty fruits that can be used in cooked or raw form.
How tall do palm trees get?
Small Palm Trees – Also known as Dwarf Palms or Miniature Palms, these palms don’t get taller than 20ft. Since they are usually slow growing, we don’t need to have a separate category for that. Fast Growing Palm Trees – These palms grow faster comparing to other palm species.
How are palm trees separated?
Palm trees can be separated into few major types depending on their trunk, leaf structure, growth rate, size, and cold tolerance. Aside from these basic segregations, palms also differ in drought and salt tolerance, fruit and flower production.
What family are palm trees in?
All types of palm trees fall into the Aceraceae family.
How To Identify What Kind Of Palm Tree Do You Have?
The most obvious signs that you are looking at a palm tree are the physical attributes and the setting in which the plant grows.
Why are palm trees so attractive?
This is because there is a vast array of different palm species. Some of these species are smaller and somewhat broad. Other species develop into the tall swaying palm trees many people know and love. Most palms are highly attractive so long as their settings contribute to their healthy growth.
How big are palm leaves?
In some cases, a large palm tree will have leaves that are nearly 20 feet. Setting is another way to identify palms. These species of plants only grow naturally in specific climate regions.
How tall does a parlor palm grow?
When growing in the wild, parlor palm is a part of the rainforest understory. In those settings, it reaches about 15 feet. When growing indoors, parlor palm will be less than half that height at maturity.
What are some examples of fruit that are used in cooking?
Coconuts are one such example of a well-known fruit that many are shocked to find comes from a type of palm tree. Palms provide a myriad of products other than fruit. These include palm oils that are useful in cooking as well as palm extract, which may have medicinal benefits.
What is a porch palm?
Parlor palm often develops multiple stalks that create a shrub-like appearance. The leaves that grow from the stalks are long and attractive, often representing most of the ornamental value of this plant. Parlor palm also stands out as one of the few palm tree varieties that tolerate lower levels of light.
