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Cycads
or Zamias
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Often we are asked for plants to grow in patio pots that will
take full sun and not be too badly affected if they occasionally dry out. There are very
few that can be recommended but Cycas revoluta and Zamia
furfuracea surely can. These plants have adapted over many thousands of
years to just these conditions.
The leaves of Cycas revoluta are used extensively fresh or dried in floral arrangements. |
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Cycas revoluta and Zamia furfuracea are alike in that both can be used in similar fashion in gardens or in decorator pots. Any well draining garden soil in a sunny to semi-shaded area will be suitable. As feature plants there are few that can equal the classic statement made by either of these two. When growing in a container use a well draining mix with the addition of a wetting agent to get even watering. Water the container once or twice a week to keep the plant healthy. |
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Cycas revoluta, the Sago Palm is a
native to Java. It was exploited for its sago starch in previous times. Early collections
were grown in the glasshouses of European collectors where they became very popular for
ease of cultivation and their dramatic effect.
Zamia furfuracea (syn. Zamia pumila) is native to Mexico, the West Indies and Florida. Commonly called The Cardboard Palm because of its textured leaves it is used extensively in tropical and sub-tropical areas for its dramatic foliage and its ease of care. It is particularly useful when used in a large patio pot. |
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Very little care is needed. As mentioned before use a well
draining garden bed or potting mix.
Remove old leaves once a year when you see the new growth emerging or afterwards when it has hardened up. Do not damage the new leaves which will take many months to replace. Flowers are usually quite massive. Male and female flowers differ from each other quite markedly. Seed often sets if you have a male and female plant which flower at the same time. Seed is viable if it sets under these circumstances. Enjoy the relative ease in growing these low care plants. |
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AUSTRALIA PBR GRANTED: NOTE: Unauthorised commercial propagation or sale of propagating material of plants with Plant Breeders Rights is an infringement under the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994. Copyright 2000 ŠThis information has been prepared by Redlands Nursery to assist gardeners. It is intended as a guide only. |
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