Cycas thouarsii

[Lauriek]

Dear All,

Does anyone know how to look after this species? Are they fast growing? Do they like water etc?

All replies gratefully received.

[Jeff Searle]

Hi Laurie,

First, welcome to PalmTalk.

As you probably know, this is the only cycad found on the island of Madagascar. I found it growing along the forest's edge, real close to the beach actually on my two trips I made there. They were getting some sun, but also some partial shade. I think it's one of the faster growing of the genus. It does real well here in our sub-tropical conditions of South Florida. It should do well with lots of water as long as it's planted in a well drain soil. I hope this helps some.

Any pictures of your garden you care to share?

Jeff

[tropicalb]

once the caudex hits hardball size, they really take off.....I have been growing them for a few years now (as they are one of my favorite cycas), and as Jeff says, they will take water, as long as it's very warm and the soil drains very well. Nothing worse than a cycad sitting in cold wet soil.

Cycas thouarsii to me looks its best in partial shade, but can be grown with no problem in full sun. While they do well in a pot, growth in the ground (just like any other plant) is rapid, with more than one flush per growing season being the norm. I usually fertilize them with a granular slow release fertilizer three times a year (April, mid-June, and late Aug.).

Edited November 13, 2008 by tropicalb

[MattyB]

This is my introduction into the cycad world and I got three flushes this year from a small potted plant. Very cool.

[ariscott]

I find mine turns more blue in the sun. The ones that was grown in the shade was more 'green'. Just my observation...

Regards, Ari