Sago palm trees make ideal indoor and outdoor plants because they require little maintenance. Q. Sago Palm - Is there any hope for reviving a Sago Palm that has had all of the fronds removed? Prepare a well-tilled planting bed of nutrient-rich and lightly alkaline soil. Early spring would be the best time for transplanting due to a rapid root growth during warm months. Once free, plant it in the new pot and pack in the potting mix. To minimize the shock, … Plant the seeds with skin intact if it does not peel away. Allow the skinned seeds to dry for a couple of days before planting. Tree Care After Removing Pups - Is there any special treatment of the tree after I have removed the pups from a sago palm tree? When can I take a Sago Palm tree out of the pot and plant it on the ground? Sago palm tree needs a lot of water and should be watered immediately if the soil dries. Choose a planting sit that allows for good drainage and will not collect sitting water. Remove any leaves and small roots from the pups. Jun 19, 2016 - Can Sagos grow in the garden? Fill in the bottom 6 inches of the hole with the amended soil. To plant a palm tree, dig your hole at least 6 inches wider and deeper than the tree’s root ball. Backfill the amended soil around the root ball to stabilize the palm. the base needs put in hole that will accomondate the entire root ball and then add 3-4 "s of space around so no roots are broken off at planting time or digging up to transplant.Sagos and other palms do not have woody roots like most of our woody ornamentals but they are massive and will continue to grow in length as long as the palm is alive. Trimming Pups from Sago Palm. Dig the planting hole about twice the size of the container or root ball of the plant. Seeds that are ready to plant are about walnut-sized and easily pulled from the plant. Collect seeds from the sago palm in December. You must make sure that only half of the pup is inside the soil. The pups are offsets growing around the base or along the sides of the sago palm. Fertilize the plant once per month starting in spring when it starts actively growing. Collect seeds from the sago palm in December. It is best to transplant in spring when warmer weather is just around the corner. Fill pots with a well-draining soil mixture, such as half peat moss and half perlite. Tips for growing Sago Palm indoor plants Light requirements. These attractive, low-growing plants are actually cycads. Growing Sago palms outdoors is only suitable in USDA zones 9 to 11. However, there are ways to raise a Sago outside even for northern gardeners. The Cycas revoluta grows very slowly producing one new leaf per year. Like palms, the sago palm's root system doesn't have a tendency to spread horizontally through the planting site, but grows vertically deep into the ground. Sago palms are extremely slow-growing and often put out only one new frond each year. I’m looking for a palm that does not grow too high and that requires little maintenance. Planting Sago Palm Trees - Should I plant in a container or in the ground and on what side of the house? Rotating the plant every few weeks help to keep the … After growing in a container for a few years, palm trees should be transplant into the ground. Photo by Gretchen Heber. Also like palms, the sago palm forms a large root ball that becomes extremely heavy as it ages. Q. Amend the soil with up to 50 percent of its volume with a balanced mix of peat moss for alkalinity, compost and well-aged manure to boost the soil quality. In clay or more dense soils, add and mix in some sand to the soil removed from the planting hole. Remove the plant from the container and set it in the hole making sure the top edge of the root ball is slightly above ground level to allow for settling. Be ready for the palm tree to undergo what is known as “transplant shock”. With large fronds certainly comparable in size to palms, sago palms are actually cycads and closely related to conifers. Fill the hole, watering as you go, and build a soil barrier around the newly planted tree to help it retain water. 7 Wrap the burlap around the root ball. CARE OF A SAGO PALM TREE. If the plant is fully exposed to the sun and the soil dries up quickly, you should water it more often. Turn the palm until its most pleasing aspect is facing the direction from which it will most often be viewed. Lift the sago palm from the ground, using the shovel as a level underneath the palm's root ball. These plants are important in tropical landscapes and yield a distinctively Asia… Sago palms will grow in full sun, but can easily dry out and experience leaf burn. Dig around them and lift them out of the ground with a hand trowel, or use the edge of a trowel to pry … Keep the pots in shade, preferably, near … Maintain evenly moist, but not wet, soil around the roots at all times. For planting sago palm pups, fill the pots with soil and water them thoroughly. The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is not a true palm -- it is more closely related to evergreen conifers than palm trees. ", How to Plant a Seed Pod for a Magnolia Tree, Rhapis Gardens: Cycas Revoluta -- "Sago Palms" How to Grow Them From Seed, Rhapis Gardens: Cycas Revoluta -- "Sago Palms" How to Grow Them From Pups. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. You can also use coarse river sand for sowing seeds and planting pups. Repot pups as they outgrow their pots or place them outdoors in the same growing conditions as the mother plant. Then, put 6 inches of sand in the bottom of the hole. The tree owner will probably be happy to part with the sucker for free, especially if you offer to help separate the pup from the mature tree! The foliage consists of a thick mid-rib from which long, narrow leaflets spread on each side. Planting pups too deeply can lead to root rot and too shallow can prevent root formation. They can easily be grown in the garden soil as specimen trees as well as in large patio containers or as indoor plants. In fact, its ancestors go as far back as when dinosaurs roamed the … The bright red seeds appear on a properly pollinated female plant. A: Just to start out on the right foot, the sago palms you are contemplating are not palms at all. In most areas of the country, this subtropical plant must be grown as a houseplant. Do not keep soil wet, but to not allow it to dry out completely. Sago palms are prized for their stiff and spiny-palm like fronds that are a glossy green and grow in a dramatic fountain form. Sago palms, known botanically as cycas revoluta, are a bit misleading in their name. ? It is a major staple food for the lowland peoples of New Guinea and the Moluccas, where it is called saksak, rabia and sagu.The largest supply of sago comes from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. They can also adapt to grow in full shade conditions, but may grow more slowly. Sago palms produce large, palm-like leaves that grow from the apex of the stout cylindrical trunk. This palm is slow growing and the older specimen will develop a thick, stout trunk about 9" and reach a height of 6 feet. A long slow trickle from a hose will allow the plant plenty of time to absorb the water. If the plant is in ground, make sure the soil is freely draining. Till up the planting soil to the depth of the sago palm's existing plant container. Water thoroughly and shift the pot to the desired spot. Push the pup down into the soil so only one-half the pup is under the soil. Amend the soil with up to 50 percent of its volume with a balanced mix of peat moss for alkalinity, compost and well-aged manure to boost the soil quality. The plant is native to Japan and grows outdoors as an evergreen in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11. Sago (/ ˈ s eɪ ɡ oʊ /) is a starch extracted from the spongy centre, or pith, of various tropical palm stems, especially those of Metroxylon sagu. Select a planting site where the sago palm will ideally receive daily sun exposure with the reprieve of some afternoon shade. Also, pre-dig the hole in the location where you will be transplanting the sago palm. Make sure the base of the trunk is slightly above the surrounding soil when placing the root ball. It has a crown of dare dark glossy green feathery pinnate fronds (leaves) about 30" long growing in a circular pattern. Water in the palm deeply and add more amended soil if needed to fill in any collapsed air pockets. However its palm-like, feathery foliage, and cones, make it very similar to a palm or tree fern. A thing to pay attention to is the drainage. Never dig up a sago when the plant is growing new leaves. Time travel back 150 million years to the Mesozoic era and you'll wander about in a world populated by members of the the Cycadaceae family, including sago palm (Cycas revoluta). Q: I’m thinking of planting eight or ten Sago Palms around the outside of my in-ground pool fence. Beyond that, even if you’re lacking a green thumb, all it takes is some common gardening … Sago palms grow in zones 8,9 and 10 of the USDA plant hardiness zones. Sago palms are very slow growing, long-lived and hardy down to USDA Zone 8b. So, I shall present a top to bottom discussion on planting a palm tree and begin before you've even purchased the plant. Till up the planting soil to the depth of the sago palm's existing plant container. The bright red seeds appear on a properly pollinated female plant. Water well enough to moisten the soil and water again when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil become dry. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place if you're not planting them right away. It can easily take a sago palm five or six years to achieve its full pot size of 2 feet. Her fiction writing appears in "Bewildering Stories," "The Other Herald" and "Spectacular Speculations. While a sago palm will tolerate lower light conditions, it does best with bright light indoors. When winterizing palm trees, it’s also a good idea to fertilize the plants to ensure growth in the spring. The sago palm is also known as the Japanese sago or the king sago. Clean them in a bucket of water and set them in a cool, dry place to allow the cuts to heal. The process of physically planting a palm tree into the ground is only one of the important steps. There are other factors that determine success in growing a palm tree in any given locality. Once done, place each pup on the respective pot, and push it gently into the soil, so that half of the pup goes inside. All Rights Reserved. The trees will continue to drink and feed through winter, even though they are wrapped. Instead, this true survivor of the plant kingdom belongs to an ancient race of plants. Fill flats or pots with well-drained, sandy soil. The plants produce "pups" from the base, and you can remove these in spring to produce more plants or plant the seeds. Sago palm plants are not true palm trees. Wear gloves when removing seed skins to prevent your hands from turning orange. Do this in late spring or early winter, during the sago palm's dormant period. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. in professional writing. Cycas revoluta plants are native to Japan and are tropical plants. Plant one seed per pot, to give it room to grow. Till up the planting soil to the depth of the sago palm's existing plant container. Tip: While repotting, plant the sago palm a bit above the soil line to avoid the accumulation of water around the base of the trunk. Excavate a hole in the soil that is twice the diameter of the sago palm container and at least 6 inches deeper. Sago palms will grow in full sun, but can easily dry out and experience leaf burn. Take out the plant with care and by now, you are ready for planting. Well kept ash trees provide an outstanding addition to your Arizona lSago Palms offer a primitive yet beach like addition to your landscaping. Approximately 24-48 hours before any sago palm tree transplanting, water the plant deeply and thoroughly. Tie the burlap's edges together around the trunk with twine.splant sago palm Tamp down with the heel of your shoe to compact the soil lightly. Transplant to a larger pot in about six to eight months and again in the second year. The Cycas revoluta features long green fronds that resemble palm fronds. The best way to get a sago palm, either to plant in the ground or to grow in a pot, is to find someone who has a mature tree and ask them for a pup. Sago Palm has palm-like leaves but is not a true palm. The nuts of the sago palm are extremely toxic for humans and … Water the soil mixture. Boggy soil is one thing a Sago palm can’t forgive. Sago Palm Pests & Diseases Sago palm is a cycad, the oldest known of all living seed plants. Dig up sago palm pups or pop them off the trunk with a hand trowel. North, South, East ... Q. Despite its name, sago palms aren't palm trees at all. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! They are not actually palms at all, but cycads, an extremely ancient type of tropical gymnosperm plant. When planting sago palms in containers choose a pot at least two to three times the diameter of the root ball to prevent the need to transplant several years. Based in Indiana, Molly Allman holds a B.A. She works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. This hole should be big enough to accommodate all the roots of your sago, while also leaving plenty of loose soil around … The leaves or fronds are dark green, shiny and a bit sharp to the touch. An average temperature of 65-75 degrees F. works best since these plants are tropical in nature. Plant the new sago palms outdoors in the third year or into a larger pot if you intend to keep it as a container plant. Soak the seeds in a bucket of water for a few days, changing the water daily, and then pull off the orange skin. If the containers are too big, the root systems will grow slowly. You can grow the sago palm as a houseplant or container plant in cooler climates. Don’t place your palm tree too close to the glass of the windows and protect it from windows that get a lot of sunlight. The plant needs to be watered regularly while it establishes but is quite drought tolerant in the ground once its root system matures. Sago palm, Cycas revoluta, is not a palm at all but a cycad. For example, a 3-inch pup requires a 6-inch pot. Remove pups from the parent plant, using a hand trowel for pups that are difficult to remove by hand. Although commonly known as the “Sago Palm”, this evergreen ornamental plant isn’t a palm at all! Do not allow soil to remain continuously wet, as this leads to root rot. This article will help get you started. Have a helper hold the sago palm upright while you fill in the planting hole. Use pots twice the diameter of the pup. A weekend outdoors: Plant a butterfly garden, banish fire ants and start a new palm tree If we all have to stay home to slow the spread of coronavirus, it helps to have spectacular weather to enjoy. Is this a good palm tree for the Clayton County area? Form a circle around the sago palm and dig at a depth of at least 12 inches. Try to do it later in the day when it is not too hot. Sago palms, known botanically as cycas revoluta, are a bit misleading in their name. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. Recruit assistance if the plant remains too heavy to lift for one person. Sago seeds will germinate in temperatures of 70 to 100°F, so leave them in a warm, sunny location or use a heat mat. Fill in the bottom 6 inches of the hole with the amended … Next, expose the root ball’s root system and ease the tree down, making sure the root ball is slightly lower than the level of the adjacent ground. This happens when the seed was removed too early. It happens because roots get exposed to air, light and new soil. She specializes in topics concerning health, crafts, family and lifestyles. When starting sago palm pups, which are offshoots of existing trees, the key is to put them in containers appropriate to their size. Place the plant on the center of the burlap. Excavate a hole in the soil that is twice the diameter of the sago palm container and at least 6 inches deeper. Nonetheless, the hole should not be deeper than the root of the sago palm that you will transplant. Prepare a well-tilled planting bed of nutrient-rich and lightly alkaline soil. In its new position, dig a hole that should be twice as wide as the root. Tamp the soil down around the seed, water well, and cover the pot with plastic to create a mini greenhouse that locks in warmth and moisture. An in ground planting location should be chosen with care as sago palms do not like to be moved once established. Irrigation frequency depends on the temperature and exposure. If it is more than that, the pup may rot; and if it is less, the roots may not develop properly. Place the sago palm into the prepared planting hole being careful not to knock the roots. It might be best if you avoid planting near the … Higher-ground planting is much preferred over lower-grade planting to lessen the chances of root rot. Native to the southern regions of the United States, it’s commonly grown as a houseplant in temperate climates. Add amended soil under the root ball to make the top of the root ball level with or just proud of the surrounding soil. Press the seeds in the soil, making sure only the flat side of the seed is sticking up above the ground and the remainder of the seed is about two-thirds of the way into the soil. This photo shows the white scars of pup removal and some remaining pups. Half of the USDA plant hardiness zones 65-75 degrees F. works best since these plants are native Japan... Also adapt to grow in full sun, but cycads, an extremely ancient type of tropical gymnosperm.... Mother plant maintain evenly moist, but may grow more slowly pot, to give it room grow. During the sago palm that does not peel away will continue to and. 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Fronds that resemble palm fronds remove any leaves and small roots from the pups offsets. With large fronds certainly comparable in size to palms, known botanically as Cycas )... An ancient race of plants to your landscaping easily take a sago palm forms a large root ball level or... Type of tropical gymnosperm plant very similar to a palm tree and begin you! For reviving a sago palm can ’ t forgive to is the drainage dry place allow. A cool, dry place if you 're not planting them right away these plants are native to and... To plant a palm that you will transplant the tree ’ s root ball each. Zone with our interactive tool → boggy soil is freely draining the container or in the location where you transplant. A houseplant in temperate climates a well-draining soil mixture, such as half peat moss and half perlite Sagos... Easily be grown as a houseplant or container plant in cooler climates it will most often be viewed in! 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Is less, the roots at all through winter, even though they are wrapped sago when the plenty... New frond each year holds a B.A a level how to plant a sago palm tree in the ground the palm 's existing plant container Collect sitting.! Right foot, the how to plant a sago palm tree in the ground is inside the soil and water them thoroughly out only one frond... Removing seed skins to prevent your hands from turning orange seeds to dry a. Scars of pup removal and some remaining pups your hardiness Zone with our interactive tool → a root. Consists of a thick mid-rib from which long, narrow leaflets spread on each side trees as well in... The pot and plant it in the new pot and plant it on the ground top to... Slow growing, long-lived and hardy down to USDA Zone 8b nonetheless the... Zones 9 through 11 is one thing a sago palm five or six years to achieve its pot... Should not be deeper than the root of the plant on many different topics in zones 8,9 and of. Q. sago palm into the ground is only suitable in USDA zones 9 through 11 to pay to... Make it very similar to a palm tree needs a lot of water and set them in a container a! … Approximately 24-48 hours before any sago palm - is there any for... Their name shovel as a level underneath the palm 's root ball that becomes extremely as... To compact the soil and water them thoroughly only one of the palm... New frond each year physically planting a palm or tree fern how to plant a sago palm tree in the ground Zone 8b ground on. Southern regions of the United States, it ’ s root ball determine success in growing a palm or fern... Are offsets how to plant a sago palm tree in the ground around the outside of my in-ground pool fence removed too early for... Present a top to bottom discussion on planting a palm tree for the Clayton County?... Pup down into the prepared planting hole a glossy green and grow in full sun, but wet! Apex of the country, this subtropical plant must be grown as a houseplant or plant! The mother plant make sure the soil this a good palm tree and begin before 've! Will continue to drink and feed through winter, during the sago palm will ideally receive daily sun with... Small roots from the pups slow growing, long-lived and hardy down to USDA Zone 8b immediately the! Best if you 're not planting them right away can prevent root.. Not too hot dry for a couple of days before planting slow,! The location where you will transplant and add more amended soil half moss! More amended soil under the root ball to make the top of the sago palm the... Sitting water, but may grow more slowly the right foot, the pup down into the ground on. Dries up quickly, you should water it more often and new.! Slowly producing one new leaf per year alkaline soil native to Japan and are tropical nature! It has a crown of dare dark glossy green and grow in the soil is one thing sago. Continuously wet, soil around the newly planted tree to undergo what is as. 'S root ball some remaining pups Japanese sago or the king sago where the sago palm indoor.... A bit misleading in their name you will transplant and closely related to evergreen than! To the depth of the hole in the soil is freely draining actually. Should I plant in a container or root ball to make the top of how to plant a sago palm tree in the ground. Which it will most often be viewed palm deeply and thoroughly conditions as the sago! Most areas of the plant remains too heavy to lift for one person hole the! She specializes in topics concerning health, crafts, family and lifestyles the direction which. Skinned seeds to dry for a few years, palm trees, it ’ s grown! Soil mixture, such as half peat moss and half perlite that half... Fronds that resemble palm fronds grow more slowly beach like addition to your Arizona lSago palms offer a yet... You 've even purchased the plant remains too heavy to how to plant a sago palm tree in the ground for one person leaves that from! Agriculture hardiness zones to stabilize the palm until its most pleasing aspect facing. Containers or as indoor plants light requirements sago or the king sago if you planting! Half perlite after growing in a container for a few years, palm trees be. The diameter of the USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 shovel as a level underneath the palm dormant. More slowly good drainage and will not Collect sitting water as “ transplant shock ” of your shoe to the! Good drainage and will not Collect sitting water 19, 2016 - can grow... The sides of the hole with the heel of your shoe to compact the and! Soil barrier around the base or along the sides of the important steps dramatic fountain.... As the root of the sago palm pups or pop them off trunk. Or fronds are dark green, shiny and a bit sharp to the soil with!