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cycad growth rate

Understanding the cycad growth rate is essential for gardeners and plant enthusiasts looking to add these stunning prehistoric plants to their gardens. Known for their impressive symmetry and unique foliage, cycads are ancient plants with a well-deserved reputation for slow growth. Whether you’re interested in growing them for landscaping or as indoor specimens, knowing what to expect from your cycad’s development will help you cultivate patience and set realistic goals for your garden.

Cycas revoluta

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, or Japanese Sago Palm, is an impressive and popular, small Palm tree. It grows with a fibrous trunk which is topped with a whorl of feathery, dark green fronds held with a gentle arch as it grows to 3 m tall and the same wide. Cycas revoluta makes an excellent specimen and is commonly added to tropical plantings, maintained in a container, planted around a pool or other outdoor living areas, or added to a mixed planting.

Buy Cycas revoluta

From $134.93

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Palms

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical

Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues. Older foliage sits as a rosette with a downward arch and is dark green. The combination of old and new foliage produces quite a dramatic display and affords the tree a lush appearance. Clusters of small, cream flowers in spring result in purple berries in autumn. It typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of moderate frost once established. This evergreen is typically grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, maintained in a courtyard garden, included in a tropical garden, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Buy Daphniphyllum macropodum

From $343.89

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern

How Fast Do Cycads Grow?

Generally, cycads are considered slow-growing plants. Most cycads, including popular species like Cycas revoluta, add just a few centimeters to their trunk height per year, and it can take several years to notice substantial changes in size. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, you may see growth as slow as 1 to 3 cm in trunk height annually. Leaves can form more quickly, with most cycads producing a flush of new fronds once per year.

Factors Affecting Cycad Growth Rate

The cycad growth rate can vary significantly based on several factors:

Species differences: Certain cycads like Dioon spinulosum (Gum Palm) or Lepidozamia peroffskyana (Cycad) may exhibit faster growth than others, though all cycads grow slower than most palms or ferns.
Climate: Cycads prefer warm, frost-free environments. Growth often slows in cooler temperatures or during winter.
Soil quality and drainage: Well-drained, loose soils promote healthy root systems and steadier growth rates.
Watering and feeding: While cycads are drought-tolerant, regular watering during dry periods and an annual application of slow-release fertiliser can support steady growth.
Lighting: Most cycads, such as Macrozamia moorei (Moores Cycad), thrive with bright light and some morning sun, which encourages faster leaf production.

Fastest-Growing Cycad Species

While all cycads are relatively slow compared to other landscape plants, some species may grow more noticeably in well-prepared environments. For example, Macrozamia communis (Burrawang Cycad) is considered slightly faster growing than many other species. Young plants, when grown in ideal conditions, can produce new leaves annually and slowly build up a visible trunk after several years.

Tips to Encourage Cycad Growth

If you want to maximise your cycad’s growth rate, ensure it’s planted in a sunny, well-drained spot. Feed it with a controlled-release palm fertiliser in spring and maintain consistent soil moisture (but never soggy soil). Protecting young plants from frost and strong winds will also prevent setbacks in growth.

Patience Pays Off

Despite the slow cycad growth rate, these plants reward patience with their striking appearance and longevity. Cycads like Cycas revoluta, Macrozamia moorei (Moores Cycad), and Dioon spinulosum (Gum Palm) become majestic garden centrepieces over time, creating a lush, tropical aesthetic that lasts for generations. By understanding what influences cycad growth rates and caring for your plant properly, you ensure your cycad will thrive, albeit at its own steady pace.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.