Caring for the cycad is not something to be taken lightly. Sensitivity is required here! He is reluctant to forgive serious mistakes and is considered demanding. However, the following tips can keep him growing and he althy.
How do you properly care for a cycad?
For successful cycad care, you should water regularly and evenly, fertilize every 4 weeks between April and September, keep it frost-free in winter and repot every 3 to 4 years. Brown or dried leaves can be removed.
How do you water the cycad correctly?
The water supply for the cycad, which is usually used as a houseplant, should be ensured all year round. It is watered regularly and evenly. He likes slightly moist soil. But don't be too hasty! Only water when the top layer of soil has dried!
In addition, you can keep your cycad happy by spraying it every now and then. If you don't have a hand sprayer (€7.00 on Amazon), you can alternatively use a damp cloth and wipe the fronds with it. The side effect: dust is removed from the fronds.
Fertilizing the cycad – is it difficult?
The cycad has low to medium nutrient requirements. For this reason, it should not be fertilized too intensively. Mineral fertilizers should not be used. It is sufficient to supply the cycad with a liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks between April and September.
Is wintering necessary?
Since the cycad cannot tolerate frost, it should be kept in a frost-free place over the winter:
- Room temperatures between 15 and 17 °C
- good wintering places: cellar with window, stairwell, winter garden, bedroom
- do not expose to winter sun
- do not fertilize
- water less
- slowly get used to the sunlight after overwintering
When does the cycad have to be repotted?
When the trunk of the cycad takes up around 2/3 of the soil surface in the pot, it is time to repot. This usually happens every 3 to 4 years. Repotting is best started in spring between February and March.
Do you have to cut the cycad?
A cycad doesn't need pruning. But if you see brown or dried leaves, they can be removed. Make sure to only remove those leaves or fronds that are completely dry. Wear gloves – the cycad is poisonous!
Tips & Tricks
Yellow leaves indicate incorrect location and/or care errors. Correct the mistakes quickly so that the cycad can recover!