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
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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.
Sago Palm — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Sago Palm need in Phoenix?
Sago Palm is a low-water accent plant once established. Water every 1-2 weeks in summer and monthly in winter; sagos rot with poor drainage or constant moisture. All parts poisonous to pets and humans.
How big does Sago Palm get?
Expect roughly 5 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 4 ft of spacing when planting. Non-invasive roots; all parts are highly poisonous, so site away from children and pets.
Can you plant Sago Palm near a pool?
Not ideally. Sago Palm is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Sago Palm handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Sago Palm is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants partial shade. Frost sensitive, fronds hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert accent. Frost-tender below 28°F; protect fronds in hard freezes and shield from harsh afternoon sun in the hottest inland spots.
Does Sago Palm have thorns?
Yes — Sago Palm has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Sago Palm safe around pets?
Sago Palm is not listed as pet-friendly, so keep it out of areas where pets graze or chew, and check with your vet if you are unsure.
When does Sago Palm bloom in Arizona?
Sago Palm blooms in late spring-summer, with cream flowers.
How much maintenance does Sago Palm need?
Sago Palm is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove only dead or yellowed fronds at the trunk; leave healthy fronds, which the plant needs.
What kind of soil does Sago Palm need?
Fertile, well-draining sandy loam with some organic matter; not a lean cactus mix. Nutrient needs are moderate. Feed with a palm/cycad fertilizer in spring and summer; sagos are prone to manganese deficiency showing as yellow new growth.
Is Sago Palm native to Arizona?
No. Sago Palm is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Japan, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.