Where to plant your cycad

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The number one mistake that gardeners make is that they don't allow room for a plant to grow. Cycads are beautiful, but their fronds can be sharp, so planting them too close to a walkway is a serious mistake. I've seen these beautiful plants hacked to pieces because they weren't allowed space to grow. But the question is, how much space should you allow?

Cycads live for hundreds and hundreds of years and grow very, very, slowly. If you allow enough space for them to grow to their full size, they will look pretty lost in your garden. This Dioon spinulosum by my bedroom window, for example, will grow up to 90 feet, but not in my lifetime, or several of my lifetimes. I'm a middle-aged guy, so I expect to see this plant get to be about five feet at the most.  The next owner of this house may see it grow to ten feet, if they live long enough. You see what I mean. But realistically, you need to allow it to have fronds that will grow to a span of at least ten feet, even when it's young. Remember that it is the span, not the height, that you are concerned with.

A good rule of thumb is to plant any cycad at least five feet away from a walking area. It can be closer if they are out in the garden and people are walking up to it, not past it. But even an ordinary Sago Palm (cycas revoluta) can cut into flesh as you walk by. If you have planted yours too close to a walkway, go out there and move it. No, you won't hurt it. Go do it now before someone gets hurt!

If you have a big cycad that you need to move, don't worry, cycads transplant readily. You will need some major muscle as they are very, very heavy. First, cut off all of the leaves. Don't worry, they will grow back once the plant is reestablished. A very large sago palm is valuable, so it might be worthwhile to hire some pros to move it. If you are just going to winch it out with your truck, please give it to me - I will come and get it!

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