Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Cycas circinalis is an evergreen gymnosperm in the Cycadaceae family — one of the most ancient lineages of seed plants, with a fossil record extending over 200 million years. Plants develop a stout, columnar trunk 6–15 feet (1.8–4.5 m) tall and 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) in diameter, topped by a symmetrical crown of pinnately compound, arching fronds 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) long. Individual pinnae (leaflets) are flat, 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long and 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) wide, glossy dark green, arranged in a single plane along the rachis — giving the frond a feather-like or fern-like appearance despite being a seed plant. New fronds emerge as a tight central flush (crozier), unfurling simultaneously 1–2 times per year. The species is dioecious: male plants produce an erect, conical pollen cone 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long at the crown centre; female plants produce a loose cluster of modified leaf-like megasporophylls bearing 2–6 large, orange-red seeds 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) in diameter. Seeds contain the neurotoxin cycasin (methylazoxymethanol-β-glucoside), which is toxic to humans and animals if ingested without extensive processing. Growth rate is slow — 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of trunk height per year. Frost-tender — foliage damage occurs below 30°F (-1°C) and plant death below 25°F (-4°C). In the Pacific Northwest, it is grown only as a conservatory or indoor specimen.
Native Range
Cycas circinalis is native to southern India (Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and coastal Karnataka/Kerala), Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea). It occurs in tropical dry deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, and coastal habitats from sea level to approximately 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen container plant in conservatories, atriums, and large indoor spaces. Moved outdoors to patios and terraces during frost-free summer months. In USDA zones 10–12, planted outdoors as a landscape specimen in well-drained, frost-free sites. The architectural form and ancient lineage make it a focal point in tropical and subtropical garden designs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Male plants produce erect pollen cones 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long once per year, typically in spring in cultivation. Female plants produce a loose rosette of megasporophylls at the crown centre. Pollination is primarily by wind and by specialist beetles. Orange-red seeds 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) in diameter develop over 12–18 months on female plants. Plants must be 10–15 years old before reaching reproductive maturity.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
In the Pacific Northwest, grow as a container specimen indoors or in a heated conservatory. Plant in a large container (minimum 15 gallons / 57 L for a small specimen) in a well-drained, sandy-loam mix with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Place in bright indirect light to direct sun — a south-facing window or conservatory is optimal. Water thoroughly when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil dries; reduce watering in winter. Feed monthly from April through September with a balanced slow-release fertiliser. Maintain temperatures above 50°F (10°C) year-round. Move outdoors to a sheltered patio in summer if desired — return indoors before night temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Scale insects and mealybugs are the primary pests in indoor culture.Pruning
Remove individual fronds at the base when they yellow and decline — cut cleanly with a sharp saw or pruning shears close to the trunk. Do not remove green fronds, as this reduces the plant's photosynthetic capacity and slows growth. Remove spent cones when they dry. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons