Is the sago palm a tree or a shrub? Detailed key points of water and fertilizer management

The sago palm, also known as the phoenix-tail pine or phoenix-tail banana, is a wood with very high wood density that sinks immediately when placed in water. The sago palm can bloom, but it requires varieties with a tree age of more than ten years; those planted in northern China rarely bloom. Let's take a look below at whether the sago palm is a tree or a shrub plant and what the key points of water and fertilizer management are.

1. Is the sago palm a tree or a shrub plant?

The sago palm is an evergreen tree. The sago palm likes light and is slightly tolerant of semi-shade. It likes warmth and is not very tolerant of cold. It likes fertile, moist and slightly acidic soil, but it can also tolerate drought. It grows slowly, and plants more than 10 years old can bloom.

The sago palm has an elegant ancient tree shape, with a thick trunk as hard as iron; its feathery leaves are clean, smooth and bright, and remain green all year round, making it a precious ornamental tree species. In the south it is mostly planted in front of courtyards, beside steps and in lawns; in the north it is suitable as a large potted plant, arranged in courtyards, corridors and halls, and is especially beautiful.

There are 3 propagation methods: sowing, suckering and stem cutting. Propagation by suckering buds is the most common, and it can be carried out from spring to autumn, with the best results in spring. Specific operation: when suckering buds grow from the stem of the old plant and are as big as an egg, cut them away from the mother plant with a sharp knife in early spring from March to April, injuring the stem bark as little as possible during cutting, and cut off the leaves, place them in a cool and shady place for about 7 days, and after the wound fluid dries slightly, transplant them into culture soil, then water once thoroughly, place in semi-shade, maintain 27-30°C, and they will take root in 45 days while also growing leaves.

2. What are the key points of water and fertilizer management for the sago palm?

For the soil choice for planting the sago palm, ground planting is best with fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam; for potted planting use 2 parts loose, fertile leaf mold with good drainage and air permeability, 1 part garden soil, plus an appropriate amount of sawdust or coal cinder, plant ash and phosphate fertilizer.

Watering in a timely and appropriate amount. For ground-planted sago palms more than three years old, as long as there is no severe drought, generally no watering or little watering is needed. For potted sago palms, watering must be done in a timely and appropriate amount. When the surface 2-3cm of soil dries until it turns white and does not stick to the hand, and cracks appear in the ring where the soil touches the flower pot, it can be watered, following the principle of “do not water if not dry, and water thoroughly when watering”, and absolutely avoid water accumulation in the pot. If root rot or stem rot occurs, promptly cut off the rotten part, place it in a ventilated place for 1-2 days, and then replant.

Fertilization. In addition to well-developed fleshy roots, the sago palm also has coral-like roots that play a nitrogen-fixing role, which can promote lush plant growth. The sago palm should avoid the application of large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. Fully decomposed chicken manure, cake fertilizer and a small amount of phosphate fertilizer can be used as base fertilizer and fully mixed with the bottom soil. If the soil is high in humus, the base fertilizer should be reduced. For topdressing, rapeseed cake can be fermented with water and then applied, with the concentration controlled at 1%-2%, and a small amount of ferrous sulfate added (concentration 0.1%; if there is no ferrous sulfate, iron filings or small scrap iron pieces can be placed on the soil surface). For potted plants, fermented or unfermented cake fertilizer can also be scattered on the pot soil surface (or mixed with the surface soil), and through watering it plays the role of topdressing. In September to October, apply 1-2 more times of 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution.