Cycas revoluta
 
Common Names Sago Palm, Japanese Sago, King Sago
 
Zones 8B–11
 
Cycas revoluta is a widely cultivated cycad native to southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands. Though often mistaken for a palm, it belongs to an ancient lineage of gymnosperms dating back over 200 million years. Its symmetrical rosette of stiff, glossy fronds and rugged trunk make it a striking architectural specimen for both indoor and outdoor use.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright, symmetrical; slow-growing
Height: Typically 3–10 ft tall; trunk may reach 20+ ft over centuries
Trunk: Cylindrical, shaggy with persistent leaf bases; may branch
Leaves: Pinnate; 50–150 cm long; deep green, revolute margins, spiny tips
Petiole: Short, barbed near base
Inflorescence: Dioecious; male cones upright and golden; female cones feathery and compact
Fruit: Seeds orange to red; toxic if ingested
Ecology: Native to rocky hillsides and coastal thickets; adapted to drought and salt
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to bright indirect light; tolerates shade indoors
Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy mix; neutral to slightly acidic pH
Temperature: 60–95°F (15–35°C); tolerates brief dips to 15°F
Humidity: Moderate; indoor misting beneficial
Propagation: By seed or basal offsets (“pups”)
Tolerance: Drought, salt, and urban conditions; sensitive to overwatering
 
Landscape Use Ideal for xeriscapes, coastal gardens, bonsai culture, and tropical containers. Pairs well with Zamia furfuracea, Aloe dichotoma, and Agave geminiflora for bold texture contrast.