Question
hello,
i recenty purchased a Sago Palm Cycas Revoluta( i think it is a cactus). I have never been good with plants, and like all plants before this one, it is not living. The directions say keep in indirect sunlight, and keep soil dry. How do i know when dry, is too dry? And when to add water? The leaves on the bottom seem to be dying, but the top leaves seem ok. What should i do?
thanks!

andrew

Answer
Dear Andrew,

Actually, Cycas Revoluta is a Cydad, a prehistoric plant around since before the dinosaurs. They are actually related to pine trees in that they reproduce via cones (just like a pine tree). Anyway, stick your finger about an inch into the soil, if it feels dry go ahead and water it. If you water it too much or too often once in a while, don't worry, this Cydad is a pretty tough plant.

The leaves will die from the bottom up, so as long as your top leaves are looking good, your plant should be fine. Check out this website for more info: http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cycadaceae/Cycas_revoluta.html

Sincerely,

Greg