NEW SAGO

[Phoenix Bob]

Just planted a 15 gal. Sago two weeks ago.  I live in Phoenix (Sonoran Desert) which averages approx. 7" of precip. annually and during summer mos. has more than 90 consecutive days with temps. above 100 .  Palm is located in an area which receives  3 - 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.   Would like to hear from other desert "palmies" regarding the watering of my new Sago: how often? best protocol for water delivery?....................and any other helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

A few frond tips have turned brown since planting; transplanting shock or a watering issue?

Thanks in advance.

Phoenix Bob

 

 

[Hammer]

Congrats Bob.  I am not the right guy to offer desert advice but I would upload a photo of your new Sago.  Diagnosing any issues will be infinitely easier with photos.

[Tracy]

17 minutes ago, Phoenix Bob said:

 Palm is located in an area which receives  3 - 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.

While I'm not in the desert, anyone responding would likely want to know what time of day the sunlight is.  Regarding watering, since a sago is actually not a palm, but a Cycad (Cycas revoluta), foliar feeding is useless, and the caudex prefers not being watered, so irrigation around the base of the caudex is best, and well drained soil is critical.  I don't believe you will have any problems with well draining soil in Phoenix though.  Here where I live, Cycas revoluta will do well in full sun, but I would guess that your 3-4 hours in Phoenix would be better than full day there.  Some of the folks from your area have beautiful Cycads and can share more on how much exposure and typical watering in the Phoenix desert.  Most of the Cycad posts will be on the Tropical Looking Plants - Other than Palms forum.

[tacobender]

Three times a week for a month or so, twice a week for a while and then once a week when established should  do it. They are pretty tough plants.