Sago Palm Care: Yellow Leaves, Pruning, and Cycad Scale Threat

A discounted sago palm had yellow centers with green tips on lower growth, and several long green stems from the center. The owner wanted to cut the tall growth for a compact shape and hoped lower leaves would green up.

Key Facts

• Sagos are cycads, not palms or ferns. UF Guide.
• Yellow leaves never turn green again. Remove them to divert energy to new growth.
• The plant wants an upright form, not compact. Cutting the top may kill it. It produces "pups" at the base—usually removed to accentuate the trunk.

Major Threat: Cycad Scale

White powdery spots on leaf undersides indicate this devastating pest. If the plant is yellow and sad, it's likely infested. Control is nearly impossible, but removing infested leaves and using soaps/household products may manage populations. UF Cycad Scale Info. The expert believes cycads may disappear from Florida landscapes due to this pest.