How slow do Cycads grow?

[Funkthulhu]

Greetings!

Among my many photosynthetic wards is an unknown Cycad I inherited from an office. I have had this thing for 4 years now, repotted once when I got it because the roots were showing and the pot was borked. In that time it has put out one flush of new leaves (which I missed because I was working out of town for a month...). So, it had 5, flushed 4 more to 9 and then the original 5 leaves went brown and were pruned or fell off.

It seems pretty happy, very rich deep green fronds (the 4 that are left) and they stick up at about a 30-45 degree angle from horizontal and don't droop much at all. I've tried watering more, watering less, adding a bit of fertilizer. . . so far, nothing. If it hadn't popped out the flush (2 years ago!) I would be thinking it was just a very elaborate plastic plant.

So, what am I doing wrong? Or, I suppose more precisely, what are the ideal conditions for growing a Cycad indoors? (so I can figure out what I'm actually doing right)

I'll post a photo as soon as I get home from work tonight.

Thanks!

[Moose]

Actually cycads grow at three different speeds: Slow, Slower and Slowest.

[Funkthulhu]

Actually cycads grow at three different speeds: Slow, Slower and Slowest.

*Rimshot*

[Moose]

Actually cycads grow at three different speeds: Slow, Slower and Slowest.

*Rimshot*

[Funkthulhu]

From a couple years ago before the flush, is this a Sago?

[Peter Pacific]

Funkthulyu, your photograph does indeed look like a sago, King Sago (Cycas revoluta). I am no expert in cycads but I have several of these growing on the property and the best ones are in nearly full sun. Good Luck, Peter

[The Silent Seed]

Yes, it is a Sago - I, too, grow my plants indoors - many types of Cycads, including Sago. Yours look very healthy. The leaves are elongated because of indoor conditions. With more sun, they would not be so "long." But, what you are doing already is working well for the plant.

Enjoy!

[Funkthulhu]

I'm switching apartments in the next couple weeks to one that is south-facing. Will this guy benefit from a summer out on the balcony? (full sun)

[The Silent Seed]

Yes, definitely, but make sure you acclimate "him" first - otherwise it will get sunburnt, and will look ratty until it flushes again.

[Mark lasvegas]

Cycas Revoluta Indoorus