Cycads are among the most elegant plants found in private gardens. Although the plant closely resembles palms and ferns in appearance, it is in a distinct family of its own. One of the advantages of the plant is the fact that it can survive in a wide range of environmental conditions. It maintains the green color of its leaves throughout the year making it quite ideal for landscaping. Before growing cycads you need to know a number of things beforehand.
A proper understanding of reproduction of these plants is necessary for anyone who wishes to grow them. The plants produce cones as they mature. The cones contain seeds that can be planted. Each cycad plant is either a male or female and this will also be seen in the type of cones that are produced. The differences are in the sizes, shape and color of cones.
The plants can survive in virtually any environment. The soils should preferably be well drained as too much is likely to result in the rotting of roots. The plants grow well in potted soils hence the popularity for its use indoors. Growth is usually quite slow which also means that there is no need to change pots on a frequent basis.
The first step in growing the plants is soil preparation. If the soils are poorly drained, consider preparing a mound or a raised bed to aid with the drainage. Mulch well to restrict the loss of moisture and ensure that fertilizer is added at least four times in the course of the year. The most important chemicals in the fertilizers include potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.
If you intend to transfer them from a pot to the ground, you will be well advised to do this with a young plant. The roots should not be disturbed until the trunk has emerged. The best time to transplant is during spring when the temperatures are becoming favorable. Ensure that the plants are placed in a position where there are exposed to sunlight. The temperature should average about 21 degrees Celsius.
If the plants are to be used for indoor purposes, there are a number of considerations that one should take into account. Such include, for instance, ensuring that the plants do not dry out. Watering should be done twice weekly in summer and less frequently during the winter months. The objective is to ensure that the soils remain moisturized but are not saturated.
The best location for indoor cycads is that which receives plenty of natural light. If the sunshine comes through glass, there is a risk of burning the leaves. While the plants will be unaffected by the central home heating, direct heat sources should be avoided. During the frost-free months, potted plants can be moved from the indoors to the outdoors from time to time so as to benefit from the free movement of air and the sunshine.
Another problem that has to be dealt with from time to time is dust accumulation on the leaves. The solution to this is the use of slightly soapy water to physically wash off the dust. Another commonly used alternative is to leave the plants in the open whenever there are rainy showers to have the dust washed off naturally.
A proper understanding of reproduction of these plants is necessary for anyone who wishes to grow them. The plants produce cones as they mature. The cones contain seeds that can be planted. Each cycad plant is either a male or female and this will also be seen in the type of cones that are produced. The differences are in the sizes, shape and color of cones.
The plants can survive in virtually any environment. The soils should preferably be well drained as too much is likely to result in the rotting of roots. The plants grow well in potted soils hence the popularity for its use indoors. Growth is usually quite slow which also means that there is no need to change pots on a frequent basis.
The first step in growing the plants is soil preparation. If the soils are poorly drained, consider preparing a mound or a raised bed to aid with the drainage. Mulch well to restrict the loss of moisture and ensure that fertilizer is added at least four times in the course of the year. The most important chemicals in the fertilizers include potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.
If you intend to transfer them from a pot to the ground, you will be well advised to do this with a young plant. The roots should not be disturbed until the trunk has emerged. The best time to transplant is during spring when the temperatures are becoming favorable. Ensure that the plants are placed in a position where there are exposed to sunlight. The temperature should average about 21 degrees Celsius.
If the plants are to be used for indoor purposes, there are a number of considerations that one should take into account. Such include, for instance, ensuring that the plants do not dry out. Watering should be done twice weekly in summer and less frequently during the winter months. The objective is to ensure that the soils remain moisturized but are not saturated.
The best location for indoor cycads is that which receives plenty of natural light. If the sunshine comes through glass, there is a risk of burning the leaves. While the plants will be unaffected by the central home heating, direct heat sources should be avoided. During the frost-free months, potted plants can be moved from the indoors to the outdoors from time to time so as to benefit from the free movement of air and the sunshine.
Another problem that has to be dealt with from time to time is dust accumulation on the leaves. The solution to this is the use of slightly soapy water to physically wash off the dust. Another commonly used alternative is to leave the plants in the open whenever there are rainy showers to have the dust washed off naturally.
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