Detailed Explanation of Sago Palm Planting Methods and Technical Key Points
The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) has an antique, elegant tree form, with a thick, sturdy trunk as hard as iron; its feathery fronds are smooth and glossy, remaining evergreen through all four seasons, 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, where it is exceptionally beautiful.
Sago palm seed sowing methods:
1. Sago palm sowing is best done immediately after collection, or the seeds can be stored in damp sand after collection and sown in the following spring. Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water of about 50°C in a thermos flask for 12 hours, then pour them out and spread them for 1 hour, then change to water of the same temperature with 0.1% ferrous sulfate and monopotassium phosphate added, and soak again in the thermos flask for 12 hours, after which they are ready for sowing. Sow by spot sowing in pots, covering with 2cm of soil; at a high temperature of 30 to 33 degrees, they can sprout in two weeks. Seedlings need to be cultivated for 2-4 years before they can be transplanted.2. Harvest sago palm seeds in October, or use plump seeds no more than two years old, soak them in warm water of about 50°C for 24 hours, then soak in dilute hydrochloric acid or dilute sulfuric acid for 10-15 minutes, then rinse clean with clear water; during soaking, change the clear water once every other day, and after the seed coat has fully absorbed water, expanded and softened, manually peel off the outer seed coat, wash off the fruit flesh, dry the seeds, and then store them properly.
Around December, carry out sand storage treatment of the seeds; during this period, maintain the temperature and humidity of the sand storage, requiring an optimal temperature of 18-25°C and a relative humidity of 80-90%, and do a good job of winter insulation, which must not fall below 12°C. In May and June of the following year, the seeds germinate and break out of their shells, and in July and August they sprout and grow one true leaf.
1. Applying fertilizer: During the growing season of the sago palm, apply topdressing frequently, mainly nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, with decomposed cake fertilizer water being best; to promote deep green and glossy leaf color, an appropriate amount of ferrous sulfate solution can also be added to the fertilizer.
2. Watering key points: For newly planted sago palms, master the amount of watering well; do not water if the potting soil is not dry, and water thoroughly when watering. But do not overwater, lest it cause root rot. After new leaves sprout, the amount of watering should be appropriately increased, but waterlogging in the pot must also be avoided. During the vigorous growth period of new leaves, keep the potting soil moist at all times, and spray 2-3 times in the morning and evening to help keep the leaf surface fresh and emerald green. In summer, watering must be sufficient, requiring watering once each morning and evening every day. After autumn turns cool, watering should be appropriately controlled, generally watering once every 2-3 days.
3. Pruning essentials: The sago palm sends out new leaves 1-2 times every year; when growing a sago palm bonsai, for a beautiful posture, the old leaves from previous years as well as withered and yellowed leaves should be cut off, and overly dense or overly long leaves should also be pruned as appropriate, to keep the tree shape well proportioned.
4. Potting soil replacement: The sago palm should be repotted once every 2-3 years, preferably in spring from March to April. When repotting, cut off dead and damaged roots, and replace with fertile, loose new soil, so that the plant grows vigorously. At the same time, pay attention to leaving space at the bottom of the pot to facilitate ventilation and drainage.
Medicinal value
The seeds contain oil and abundant starch, are slightly toxic, and are used for food and medicine, having effects in treating dysentery, relieving cough and stopping bleeding.
Functions and indications
Leaves: astringe to stop bleeding, detoxify and relieve pain. Used for various bleedings, gastritis, gastric ulcer, high blood pressure, neuralgia, amenorrhea, cancer.
Flowers: regulate qi and relieve pain, tonify the kidney and secure essence. Used for stomach pain, spermatorrhea, leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea.
Seeds: calm the liver, lower blood pressure. Used for high blood pressure.
Roots: dispel wind and activate collaterals, tonify the kidney. Used for pulmonary tuberculosis hemoptysis, toothache due to kidney deficiency, lower back pain, leukorrhea, rheumatic joint numbness and pain, traumatic injuries.
Dosage and usage: leaves and flowers 1-2 liang; seeds and roots 3-5 qian.
Note
The seeds and the pith at the top of the stem of the sago palm are toxic, so use with caution.
Nature, flavor and meridian entry
Sweet, bland, neutral, slightly toxic. This species is a toxic plant, and its toxicity lies in the slight toxicity of the seeds and the pith at the top of the stem. After poisoning, people experience dizziness and vomiting. Residents of the Ryukyu Islands who ate starch made from this plant have suffered poisoning, with symptoms including absence of sweating, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even death.