I just picked up a very sad cycad at my apartment building's recycling bins. The trunk is about the size of a softball, and the leaves are about 2ft. long. However, all but about an inch either size of the stem is wheat-coloured from dryness. The pot is an adequate size but the soil is bone dry. I have it soaking in a sink of tepid water. I know cycads are extremely slow-growing. Is there any way of saving this beautiful plant?
Do you have a picture that could help out? I don't have a whole lot of experience with cycads quite frankly, but I know how difficult it can be to rescue a sad little plant. What lighting conditions do you currently have it in?
I just found a forum that had a question about a cycad turning yellow. Maybe there is some helpful information in there for your situation? http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/palms/msg071217399983.html
Thanks for your response, Gills. I've attached a picture. The trunk feels very firm, which makes me hopeful. It's not rot. The plant looked like it hadn't been watered in months, and I read that cycads should not be allowed to dry out. After I soaked it yesterday, I put it in a corner on the floor under a northwest window. (That's all I have, but on a sunny day, it's very bright.) I think I'll take a soil sample to a garden centre on the weekend and ask them to do a test. I read that it could be an iron deficiency. Also, it's in a decorative pot that has only one tiny hole in the bottom, so I'll probably repot it once I find out what the soil needs are, and give it some proper drainage. Do you think I should remove the leaves that are completely yellow/brown, and leave the ones that still have some green?
I personally wouldn't cut off any of the leaves until new growth started. It sounds to me like you are doing everything you can for it. And since cycads are slow growers it might take a while to see if what you are doing is helping.
Hi Gills, Thanks for your advice and empathy. I'll let you know if I see some new life, but I guess it will be a long time before this plant is looking its best. I think it's worth it. Christine
