Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Add some tropical elegance to your indoor décor with easy-care sago palm.

This ancient plant dates back millions of years to the days of the dinosaur. It is not a true palm but rather a cycad with leaves and a shaggy trunk that resemble a palm tree.

Grow sago palm in a warm humid location where it receives 4 to 6 hours of filtered sunlight. Boost the humidity by placing it near other indoor plants. As one plant transpires, loses moisture from its leaves, the nearby plants benefit from the increased humidity. Or elevate the plant on pebbles above water kept in a saucer or tray.

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is starting to dry. Avoid overwatering that can lead to yellow leaves and root rot.

The slow growing sago palm is toxic so keep it out of the reach of pets and curious children.

A bit more information: Small side shoots may sprout from near the trunk of the sago palm. Remove these and root them in warm, moist soil to start new plants. Mature plants may flower and if you have both a male and female plant and pollination and fertilization occur, a reproductive cone may form on the female plant.