Learn about the 9 main species of cycads and their care

Although it seems the opposite, there are a few types of Cycas. This is a genus of primitive plants, which began their evolution in the Mesozoic, and which, although they have characteristics similar to those of palm trees, are not related to them. In fact, palms are “modern” plants, which appeared about 140 million years ago.

The cicas are plants that we put in the category of shrubs, since they are plants with a stem (false trunk) that reach a height of less than five meters. In addition, they are very ornamental, being able to grow in gardens of all kinds, be they small or large, and even in pots. Let’s see what types of Cycas there are.

Main species of cicas

The Cycas genus is made up of about 100 different species. All of them are native to Oceania, Africa and Asia. The first fossils found date from the Mesozoic, also known as the era of the cycads. This means that They have been on Earth for about 251 million years.

They lived with dinosaurs, survived several mass extinctions, and today they are cared for in gardens. And they are very decorative plants, which also withstand heat and cold. Because, We think it is very interesting to know the different types of cycas that we can find:

Cycas armstrongii

This precious species of cica is native to Australia. It grows to a height of 4 meters, and has around 50 pinnate leaves up to 90cm in length. As a noteworthy fact, to say that it supports fire incredibly well, and also the frosts of up to -4ºC.

Cycas circinalis

The Cycas circinalis Little by little we have started to see it in nurseries, and it is very adaptable. It is very similar to C. revolutaBut C. circinalis the leaves are not as rigid, and their green color is lighter. It reaches a height of 4-5 meters, with a stem thickness of up to 30-40cm. The only drawback is that it is very cold, but that is not a problem, because can be had as a houseplant in a very bright room.

Cycas debaoensis

We could call this cica the multipinnate leaf scar. It is native to China, specifically western Guangxi. It grows up to 2 meters in heightand its leaves are 2 to 3 meters long. These are composed of 30-50 pinnae or leaflets that give it a somewhat feathery appearance. The downside is that it was discovered in the nineties, so when it is put on sale its price is usually higher than that of other cicadas. Resists up to -2ºC.

middle cycas

The middle cycas She is a native of Queensland, Australia. It is one of the largest of the genus, measuring up to 27 meters high. Its false trunk does not branch, unless its crown suffers some important damage. The leaves are green and long, up to 3 meters in length. Withstands cold (up to 0 degrees), but not frost.

Cycas panzhihuaensis

This is a species of cica that grows in Sichuan (China). It is not one of the largest, well reaches a height of 3-4 metersbut it is one of the most resistant to cold and frost. Its leaves are a beautiful green color, and are approximately 1-2 meters long. It resists frosts down to -5ºC.

Cycas pectinate

The Cycas pectinate It is native to India, Nepal, Burma, China, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It can measure up to 16 meters in heightalthough the normal thing is that it grows up to 6 meters. Its leaves are green, and are 1 to 2 meters long. Despite its mainly tropical origin, it is able to withstand temperatures down to -4ºC.

Cycas rolled

The common cica, known as false palm, sago or simply cat, It is the most cultivated species by far. It grows up to 7 meters in heightand its leaves are between 50 and 150 centimeters long. It lives very well in warm-temperate regions, such as the Mediterranean. It can resist weak frosts down to -5ºC.

Cycas burst

The Cycas burst is a species native to Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and the Fiji Islands, which reaches about 5-6 meters in height. It has green leaves, which are between 1,5 and 3 meters long. It does not support frost.

Cycas thouarsii

The Cycas thouarsii is a plant native to Madagascar, Seychelles and the east coast of Africa that reaches 10 meters in height. Its leaves are bright green and can be up to 3 meters long. It resists up to -3ºC, although it loses its foliage if it drops below 0 degrees.

What is the care that the cicas need?

Of all the types of cicas you have seen, which one did you like the most? You may be encouraged to grow one, so let’s talk a little about the care your new plant will need.

The first thing you have to know is that can not lack light. A lot of light. Ideally, it should be outdoors, in a sunny place, so that its leaves grow healthy; but it will also grow without problems in semi-shade; that is to say, in an area where the direct sun shines only a few hours.

Its roots do not tolerate waterlogging, so will be planted in soils that absorb water quickly. And if it is going to be in a pot, it is very important that the container has holes in its base, and that it is planted with substrates such as the universal one (for sale here!) mixed with 30% perlite. This will reduce the risk of rot. What’s more, you must do it leaving the false trunk unburiedotherwise it will die.

And by the way, It has to be watered once a week during the cold months, and 2 or 3 a week during the warm months.. It must always be done by wetting the earth, not the false trunk or the leaves. Do not forget either to fertilize it in spring and summer, with specific fertilizers for these plants such as this, or with natural products such as worm castings (for sale here!).

Cicas are plants that grow slowly, but in return they live for many years: about 300. So if you want to have one, you will be able to enjoy it for a lifetime.