Sago palm care guide
Cycas revoluta
Quick answer
Water your sago palm when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 8 to 12 days.
- WateringEvery 8 to 12 days · summer
Every 16 to 24 days · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate10–29 °C (50–84 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 8 to 12 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 16 to 24 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
Sago palm needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your sago palm every 90 days while it’s actively growing. Use a palm fertilizer with magnesium and manganese, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–29 °C (50–84 °F)
Humidity40–60%
Sago palm is comfortable between 10 and 29 °C (50–84 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 0 °C (32 °F).
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full sago palm toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a sago palm?
Water your sago palm (Cycas revoluta) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 16 to 24 days.
How much light does a sago palm need?
Sago palm needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Is sago palm safe for cats and dogs?
This plant can cause serious poisoning. Contact a vet promptly, even if your pet seems well. Keep sago palm out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like purple passion plant, areca palm, wax plant, or sweetheart plant.
Why is my sago palm turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxFiltered light · drainage · water · soil · frost · pests · root rot
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · compost · water · humidity · pests · harmful-if-eaten note
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific grouping · cycasin · severe clinical signs for dogs, cats and horses
- How we check our plant advice
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