Overview
Cycas revoluta is a tufted palms in the genus Cycas, part of the Cycadaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Cycas revoluta grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include architectural and patio and container plants. It is native to Far East.
About
Cycas revoluta is a slow-growing evergreen perennial that can reach a height of up to 2 meters. It features arching, pinnate leaves that can grow as long as 1.5 meters. The plant produces golden-brown, ovoid flowers, but these are typically observed only on mature specimens.
About the genus
Cycas are perennial plants that remain green year-round and exhibit separate male and female reproductive structures. They feature robust, woody trunks topped with broad, tough, pinnate leaves arranged in a rosette at the crown. Male cones are sizable and conical, while female structures are composed of smaller, altered leaves.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cycas
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cycas revoluta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Palms, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Far East
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets (dogs, cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cycas revoluta
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with additional leaf mould and grit; provide full light with shade from hot sun and moderate humidity. Water moderately in the growing season, sparingly at other times. Alternatively in frost free areas, grow in a moist but well-drained soil in bright light with some protection from full sun
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or suckers
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors, but may be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cycas revoluta?
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with additional leaf mould and grit; provide full light with shade from hot sun and moderate humidity. Water moderately in the growing season, sparingly at other times. Alternatively in frost free areas, grow in a moist but well-drained soil in bright light with some protection from full sun.
Where is the best place to plant Cycas revoluta?
Cycas revoluta prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cycas revoluta need?
Cycas revoluta grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Cycas revoluta?
No pruning required.
How big does Cycas revoluta grow?
Cycas revoluta reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Cycas revoluta hardy in the UK?
Cycas revoluta has a UK hardiness rating of H3.
How do I propagate Cycas revoluta?
Propagate by seed or suckers.
Is Cycas revoluta toxic?
Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets (dogs, cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.