Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
A prehistoric-looking cycad that adds tropical elegance to desert landscapes, but all parts are highly poisonous to pets and people.
Frost sensitive, fronds hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert accent.
AMWUA Notes
All parts poisonous to pets and humans.
Care Guide
Water every 1-2 weeks in summer and monthly in winter; sagos rot with poor drainage or constant moisture.
Remove only dead or yellowed fronds at the trunk; leave healthy fronds, which the plant needs.
Feed with a palm/cycad fertilizer in spring and summer; sagos are prone to manganese deficiency showing as yellow new growth.
Asian cycad scale can devastate sagos—inspect frond undersides and treat quickly with horticultural oil; also watch for mealybugs.
Frost-tender below 28°F; protect fronds in hard freezes and shield from harsh afternoon sun in the hottest inland spots.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fertile, well-draining sandy loam with some organic matter; not a lean cactus mix
Needs well-drained soil.
Moderate feeder.
Basal offsets (pups) or seed
4 ft
Non-invasive roots; all parts are highly poisonous, so site away from children and pets
Placement Tips
- •Excellent in containers or as an oasis focal point.
- •Keep away from children and pets since all parts are highly poisonous if eaten.
- •Provide light afternoon shade inland.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Sago Palm? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Sago Palm. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.