The Different Sizes of Sago Palms

Characteristics

• Sago palm, a member of the Cycad family, is not a true palm. It is related to other cone-bearing trees, such as conifers and ginkos, ancient species that have changed little over time. When grown outdoors, sago palms at maturity have stout trunks about 2 feet wide, and they produce several “heads” of whorled, feathery, dark green leaves about 4 feet long. The trunks have a rough texture, and they retain the shed leaf bases of dropped leaves. Clusters of trunks form over time. All parts of the sago palm are poisonous to humans and animals if eaten.

Size Factors

• Sago palms grow fastest and tallest in tropical areas. An 80-year-old tree in the Huntington Gardens in San Marino, California, is 15 feet tall. In southern Texas, the fastest growth rate observed is 1 inch of height and width per year. Normal growth rate is about 1 foot every 10 years. Indoors, restricted by the size of their pots, sago palms often remain the same size or grow just a bit larger than when purchased, making the tree a favorite for the art of bonsai.

Growing Outdoors

• Plant sago palms in full sun or — in hotter parts of the United States — in an area that receives afternoon shade. Make sure the soil is light and well-draining by adding plenty of compost and sand. Water thoroughly to soak the root ball, then let the soil dry before watering again. Don’t use synthetic fertilizers, as the plants are not heavy feeders. Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer that contains micronutrients.

Growing Indoors

• Indoors, the sago palm needs to be near a bright window. Pot it in a well-draining potting soil, such as cactus mix, and let the soil dry between waterings. Then soak the soil thoroughly, adding water slowly and letting the pot drain. Fertilize in spring and again in late summer with a fertilizer formulated for indoor plants and containing micronutrients. Combat mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.