How often do I water potted cycads?

[Gas man]

so I recently  started collecting cycads.  I have them all in pots right now. From seedlings to 8 inch caudix size.  I live in corona California and its 100 degrees today.  I have them in a pumice soil mix.  How often should I be watering them when it's this hot ?  

[msporty]

Some additional factors needed to answer this question would be (1) what species of cycads are you growing (E. horridus is more tolerant of dry than a more tropical C. circinalis), (2) how much water does the mix retain (a porous mix could be watered daily without harm whereas a mix high in organic material may need weekly watering), (3) what size are the pots (small pots dry out faster than large pots), and (4) if the cycads are relatively over or under-potted (a fully rooted out plant needs more frequent watering than newly potted up plant)?

 

A shortcut would be to sweep aside the top few inches of the planting mix and feel the moisture content with your finger. For a five gallon pot, it should dry out in the first few inches before watering again. Another option is to pick up the pot before and after watering and get a sense of the moisture content. 
 

If unsure, it’s usually safest to err on too dry than too wet. A waterlogged plant will rot and die. A neglected and under-watered plant may grow slowly, flush less frequently, flush with stunted leaves, and slowly kill off the oldest leaves to conserve water. You can increase watering based on the plant’s responses. 
 

Also, what’s in your “pumice soil mix”? I use a base of 50% pumice, 25% seedling orchid bark, and 25% Turf n tee (composted bark). From there I throw in some silica sand #12 and crushed oyster shell. It drains quickly, holds water well, but doesn’t get mucky and heavy — the ultimate death sentence for cycads. I stay clear of peat-based mixes because of this issue.

 

Here’s my approximate watering schedule during a week of 100 degree temps:  things growing in liners need watering every 1-2 days. A 5g pot needs watering every 3 days. A 15g pot every 4-5 days. This a very rough guess and don’t take it as biblical truth. 
 

Glad to year you’ve been bitten by the cycad bug! I would suggest planting things in the ground if you have a relatively permanent residence — the plants grow better and they can always be dug up later. Expect to learn from experience and realize that mistakes are inevitable and part of the learning process. Hopefully you don’t kill that prized specimen along the way. Happy growing and welcome to PalmTalk!

[Palm Tree Jim]

Great advice above.

I have found that if your soil is well draining, cycads can take more water then you think.

[Tracy]

4 hours ago, Palm Tree Jim said:

Great advice above.

I have found that if your soil is well draining, cycads can take more water then you think.

I concur with both.  Msporty's point about genus and species is worth reiterating.  Zamia's are less appreciative of drying out, whereas Encephalartos probably won't die if they are under watered, particularly the bigger they are.  A 100 degree day where I am is so rare that my routine watering schedule wouldn't be pertinent.  Happy growing!

[Gas man]

The plants i have are , ferox in a 24 inch box.  Whitelockii in about 10 gallon,  latifrons , Dolomiticus  , Cupidis, arenarius  blue all in seedling pots.  Spinulosum  in 10 gallon,  trispinosus, longufolius, mankensis, natalensis, horridus blue,  all in 5 gallon.    My mix is ver well draining.  Lots of pumice.   Most are underpotted.   I bought them all this way.  Slowing redoing each one. Just want to make sure I'm giving them the right amount of water in the mean time.  And palm tree Jim, I'm Matt the gas guy. Jakes friend.  

[Palm Tree Jim]

3 hours ago, Gas man said:

The plants i have are , ferox in a 24 inch box.  Whitelockii in about 10 gallon,  latifrons , Dolomiticus  , Cupidis, arenarius  blue all in seedling pots.  Spinulosum  in 10 gallon,  trispinosus, longufolius, mankensis, natalensis, horridus blue,  all in 5 gallon.    My mix is ver well draining.  Lots of pumice.   Most are underpotted.   I bought them all this way.  Slowing redoing each one. Just want to make sure I'm giving them the right amount of water in the mean time.  And palm tree Jim, I'm Matt the gas guy. Jakes friend.  

Welcome to PT!
 

As I was reading the post, I thought it might be you and then the last sentence confirmed it. Lots of knowledge on this forum and of course, you are always free to contact me anytime.