What do I do with the strange growths that have come in the center of my beautiful Sago palms? The male sago has a big ugly growth and the female has a large pretty growth, but will not allow leaves to come in.
These growths are flowers. On the male, you can remove it. You also have the option of leaving it as is and will not harm the plant either way. We do not, however, recommend removing female blooms. The flower grows very close to the plant and you risk damaging the plant by removing it and it will not hurt the plant to leave it. You may see slowed growth while it is flowering. This is normal and growth will resume once the flower fades.
My sago (Cycas revoluta) has 3 inches of brown dried edges on every frond, even the new pup. It's about 4' high and quite old (transplanted from another town 2 yrs ago). It's in the proper partial shade light. I have it on a drip and try not to over water. I don't see bugs. What to do?
Browning is a stress-related issue. You will need to remove the brown fronds this spring, but only those, as they will not come back. These articles may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/how-to-care-for-sago-palms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/prune-sago-palm.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm
I transplanted my sago plam into a bigger pot but was not sure if I am using the right soil. Should it be dense potting soil or a looser variety? It is looking pretty sad and thought I used the wrong soil.
They prefer loose, well-draining soil. It is normal for them to look a bit ragged after repotting or transplanting as they adjust to their new environment. You may want to consider trimming the plant back to help with transplant shock. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
Yes, some cactus-mix soil, or potting mix, would be best. Trimming the sago would involve removing the older leaf fronds, the ones nearest the soil - in other words, at the bottom of the plant. Make sure the plant is watered-in well, then let the soil dry out nearly completely before watering again.
How do you generate new leaf growth on my Sago Palms?
Try giving the plant some fertilizer. A standard slow-realease fertilizer is normally recoemmended for these plants.
I have 3 sago palms. One of the palms has fruit on it that looks like dates. Can you tell me any thing about them?
The fruit is nothing to worry with, unless you plan on growing more of the plant from seeds. You can simply remove it.
There are two types of sago palms. One is edible and the other is poisonous. The Sago palm known as Metroxylon is edible, but the one most commonly seen and grown is known as Cycas revoluta, which is highly poisonous.
Our sago is 34 years old and pups have been ignored. There are seven, each about 6 inches at base and clustered. I tried to dig, even saw between them to remove. They are crowded between an old Japanese tea olive that I've kept pruning back to knee high. I'm afraid I've waited too late and have to let nature take its course. Or take drastic measures and lose all.
I have seen 2 sagos that have been pruned from the bottom, to about 28 inches, making them appear to be another kind of palm and they have stayed healthy. Is this possible, even if not advisable, and have you any suggestions for my dilemma?
This article will tell you how to remove the pups (bottom of article):
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/prune-sago-palm.htm
I have a sago palm as a houseplant. About once or twice a year it will grow nice long, new branches. Before the leaves can unfurl, however, the new growth will turn yellow and die. I now have a new branch emerging and am wondering how I can save it.
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/how-to-care-for-sago-palms.htm
And, this article too: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/prune-sago-palm.htm