Planting Cycads

Seeds

• Cycads can be started from seed, but there are key factors to successful germination of the seed. First, a cycad seed must be pollinated to create an embryo and the seed kept moist to keep the embryo living. If you have several seeds, you may want to cut one open to check if embryos have developed. Even with an embryo, depending on the cycad variety, it may take weeks, months or a year for the seed to germinate.
  The best way to germinate a cycad seed is to use a plastic container that has a lid. Fill the container half full with vermiculite and soak it with water. Drain off the excess water and mix an equal amount of dry vermiculite with the wet vermiculite. Place the cycad seed on its side in the vermiculite mixture and slightly cover it with the mixture. Put the lid on the container and place it in a warm spot. Check the germination progress and moisture of the vermiculite weekly, using a spray bottle to add moisture, if needed.
  Once the root appears from the seed, transfer the seed to a pot. It is easier to do this early in the root development before the fragile lateral roots develop that could be damaged. It may still take weeks or months before the foliage sprouts, but you will know the plant is developing a strong and healthy root system.

Seedlings

• All cycad plants, whether seedlings or established plants, require a well-draining planting medium. When planting seedlings, select a tall pot and use a mixture of about one third medium-grade sand mixed with composted coarse sawdust or very fine pine bark. avoid adding components that decompose quickly and create a soggy environment. Place in a sunny location and keep watered, with good drainage. A slow-release fertilizer may be used, and the cycad should grow fairly quickly. It's better to plant the cycads individually, because the tender roots can become entangled and separating later may damage those roots.

Plants

• When adding a mature cycad plant into landscaping, site preparation is an essential factor to whether the cycad thrives or not. Research your particular variety for its USDA hardiness zone to make sure it can thrive outside. Most varieties love sun but a few require some shade during the day. It is providing a well-draining soil that is crucial. If your soil is sandy, the plant can be planted beneath the soil surface. But if the soil is clay-based, in addition to supplementing the planting area with sandy loam and compost for several weeks prior to planting, the cycad needs to be planted as a mound, so the soil can drain away from the plant and air can circulate around it.
  The hole needs to be dug large enough and deep enough to accommodate the root ball and leave room for growth. Keep the cycad plant watered, but avoid watering the crown or creating a soggy soil environment.
  If you plan to plant the cycad in a pot, select a pot that is at least 3 inches deeper than the plant root ball to allow adequate root growth. Use a loose, well-draining potting mix. Repot every two to three years.