Question
I have a queen sago in a pot and would like to plant this in the small planter (about a 1/4 circle, six feet long x 4 feet at its widest) inside the screened area of our pool.  Does the root system grow down or out sideways?  The closest spot to the actual waterline of the pool is about two feet.  In the pool area, the plant would receive shade in the morning and evening.  I live in Cocoa, Fl.  I hope this gives enough information.

Answer
Hi James, they look cutsie in a pot but that is a huge palm.  Description
Like other cycads, the queen sago resembles a palm tree with its featherlike leaves arranged in a rosette that crowns a single trunk. It is a larger and more graceful version of its more commonly encountered cousin, the Japanese or king sago (Cycas revoluta). The queen sago's solitary trunk can grow to 20 ft (6.1 m) in height, more than twice that of the Japanese sago. In older specimens some branching may occur, producing very handsome plants with multiple crowns.
The dark green pinnate leaves grow to 8 ft (2.4 m) in length with narrow 12 in (30.5 cm) leaflets that curve gracefully downward. New leaves are light green and contrast dramatically with the older foliage. This species is dieocious, with male and female reproductive parts on separate plants. In late winter the male and female "cones" emerge from the centers of the plants. Pollen from the male cones fertilizes the female cones. A colorful show results later in the season when female plants produce large orange seeds in a conelike structure located in the center of the rosette of leaves.
The King sago is the smaller one.  Also another thing to think about...there is a big problem with disease with the sagos so you will have to watch it closely as this may happen or I should say will. The Cycad you mentioned, may get  what is commonly referred to as Asian Cycad Scale.  It is very common unfortunately on the Sago especially.  There is no known cure for this and the University of Florida is currently doing many studies on the proper treatment.  

One of the products Dr. Robert Stamps is testing with is called Atomic Grow.  It is a foliar spray and will dehydrate the scale immediately.  Atomic Grow is a non-toxic product and works very very well on scale of all kinds.   As it dehydrates the insects it loosens their ability to adhere to the plant.  They can literally be washed off with a gentle pressure.  At the same time Atomic Grow has a stimulating effect on the Sago and will actually increase the growth rate.  I have personally used this product in many commercial landscaping applications and it is simply fascinating.  It is also non selective so you can use it on your other plants as well.  There is also another disease going around that they felt there may not be sago alive.  However, we feel that Atomic Grow restores the health of the plant from poison and fertilizer abuse.
it will clean the plant and allow healing to take place.  Being organic you will never have to go back to poison products for any of your plant problems.   kathy