| |
- Propagation Methods
Propagation is by seed or removal of offsets.
Cycads are dioecious, having both males and females. In South Texas, plants
begin to "flower" and produce "cones" in late May when
it is time to pollinate. Seed develop over the summer and are ready to be
removed in January or February. Soak in water for several days, then remove
the skin. They can be planted immediately, or retained in a cool, dry place
until March. Plant seed sideways, with only the top edge exposed, in well
drained soil and keep soil moist but not soggy. Seed will usually germinate
in 3-9 months, but may require more than three years of growth to reach
a small bulb size 1" in diameter. For more information about pollinating
Sagos and growing them from seed, you will find a link to another page at
the end of this article.
Offsets or "pups", growing at the
base or along the sides of mature Sagos, are an excellent source of new
plants. Remove them in early spring, late fall, or winter by using a hand
trowel to pop small ones from the trunk side, or a sharp-shooter shovel
to dig and gently crow-bar large ones from the base of the plant. Remove
all the pups' leaves and roots, then set them aside for the raw spot to
dry for a week or so. Plant in well-drained soil or a sandy mixture
so that half the ball or trunk is below soil level - water thoroughly. Allow
the soil to become nearly dry before watering. It's best to start new pups
in a shady area or a bright indoor area. Roots will slowly begin to
form and the first leaves appear several months later. At that time, apply
a mild dose of fertilizer and water when almost, but not completely dry.
Allow the new plants to form a good root system before repotting into a
larger container or planting in your garden or landscape. Warning! Removing
pups can be very hard work on large Sagos with lots of babies.
NEW LEAVES emerge all at once in a circular pattern, and are very tender
until they begin to harden several weeks later. Do not disturb or repot
the plant during this process and allow the plant to receive good overhead
light; low light will produce long leaves, while bright light will produce
shorter leaves. If light is coming from a window, give the plant a 1/4 turn
each day until the new leaves harden, otherwise they may lean toward the
light source. Do not allow the plant to become excessively dry when new
leaves are developing, otherwise new foliage may wither and die or become
yellow and stunted
References for Propagation Methods:
McKamey, Lynn.
1995. http://www.sagopalms.com/ Accessed 4-25-01 |
