Cycas

Family of cycads. This is an ancient plant; in translation from Greek (Kykas) it means "palm", apparently due to the external resemblance of these plants. Cycads are considered related to both palms and ferns. Indeed, in appearance cycads strongly resemble palms. However, most botanists maintain that there is no close relationship between Cycas and palms.

The native range of cycads is Southeast Asia and Australia. They are slow-growing plants and with proper care live a long time as houseplants. Young cycad leaves are at first coiled in a spiral — like ferns. Leaves are pinnate up to 50 cm long. In nature cycads can grow into very large specimens. In their native regions cycad leaves are used for creating floral arrangements and bouquets. In Russia cycads are grown outdoors in subtropical areas, for example near Sochi. But there they often suffer in winter from excessively low temperatures.

When buying a Cycas, make sure that the leaf buds located in the cone are not damaged. It is better to buy a plant that has at least three well-developed leaves. Cycas grows very slowly.



Temperature: Moderate; Cycas tolerates temperature fluctuations well and grows in both warm and cool rooms. In winter a cool location is preferable at 12-16°C, minimum 8°C. In summer it is desirable to move the pot with the cycad to a balcony or garden to a place with even light from all sides and protection from wind.

Light: Bright, intense light; keep in the brightest spot both in winter and summer. Well suited for south and southwest windows.

Watering: Abundant in spring and summer, moderate in winter. Cycas does not tolerate waterlogging in the pot. When watering, do not allow water to get on the cycad's cone, since the leaf buds are in it and moisture can lead to rotting.

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