How to care for your Sago Palm
Use these instructions to care for a Sago Palm. This guide will tell you how to water a Sago Palm; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.
Japanese Sago Palm
Your Sago Palm would enjoy sitting in indirect to direct, bright light. So an east, west, or south-facing window would provide just the right amount of sunlight for your plant. However, be sure not to expose your Sago Palm prolonged afternoon sunshine to avoid scorching the leaves.
Water your Sago Palm when 75% of the soil volume is dry or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Your Sago Palm appreciates a thorough watering but doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil. Keeping the soil moist but completely drained benefits your plant the most.
Your Sago Palm doesn’t require extremely high humidity but thrive with a pebble tray underneath its pot. Likewise, misting the leaves provides enough moisture since this plant can tolerate average household humidity levels.
Your Sago Palm loves warm temperatures between 65-75°F. If moved outdoors for the summer, Sago Palms don’t mind the heat but will need to be watered more frequently and moved to partial shade to avoid scorching the leaves. While indoors, keep your Sago Palm away from drafts and vents.
Your Sago Palm needs monthly feedings from spring until fall. A liquid fertilizer with an 18-8-18 ratio that’s diluted provides optimal nutrition for your plant. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer two or three times during your plant’s growing season. Just be sure to follow the instructions closely.
Sago Palms are considered highly toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Aside from bright light and occasional fertilizer, your Sago Palm doesn’t require much care. It is susceptible to root rot, especially in the fall and winter months, so take care not to overwater it. The plant naturally sheds its lower leaves as it grows. As these leaves begin to yellow, they can be removed with a sharp cutting tool.
