How to Grow Healthy Cycads
Cycads like water, but hate wet feet. Too much water kills them. Excellent drainage is the most important requirement, If your soil is not sandy, plant above ground level in a mound or raised bed. Water must never sit around cycad roots. Mulching the soil in summer is beneficial.
Pull the mulch back in winter to allow the excess moisture to evaporate faster. Most cycads can handle drier conditions, but constant moisture is best. Except for a few rainforest species, 95% of cycads grow much better in full sun to 60% sun than shade.
Fertilise with dynamic lifter, blood and bone, and a light application of a nitrogen fertiliser with trace elements. Slow release osmocote works well for potted specimens. Fertilise in early spring and mid summer during growing season.
When planting out seedli
ngs into garden beds, best results are obtained when the plant has 6 to 10 leaves and the caudex is the size of a small walnut. Very small seedlings should be kept in pots for 3-4 years and if deep containers are used, plants grow better. For potted specimens, a little gravel in the bottom of the pots helps the tap root from rotting. A composted pine bark potting mix with little or no sand will ensure the pot drains freely.
South East Queensland - ideal climate for most cycads. You can expect them to grow faster here in cultivation than in habitat, provided drainage is good.
Eudlo Cycad Gardens
P.O. Box 700, Nambour Qld 4560
Ph: 07-5445 0496; Fax: 07- 5445 0272
Email: cycadman@ozemail.com.au
