Identifying and Caring for a Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Plant Identification

Your plant is a Sago Palm, botanically known as Cycas revoluta. Despite its common name, it's not a true palm but a cycad—an ancient plant group dating back to the dinosaur era. The photos you provided show the characteristic stiff, feather-like fronds radiating from a central trunk.

Current Care Assessment

You're doing many things right: a west-facing window provides bright light, and watering every two weeks suits this drought-tolerant species. However, cutting off emerging fronds (the "fern-like sprouts") was a mistake. Sago palms produce new fronds in flushes only once or twice a year. Removing them deprives the plant of energy and slows its already slow growth.

Yellowing Fronds: Cause and Solution

The slight yellowing you see is likely due to the soil staying too moist between waterings, not a nutrient deficiency. Do not fertilize—sago palms are extremely slow growers and rarely need feeding. Fertilizer can actually damage their sensitive roots. Instead, allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and never let water sit in the saucer.

Ongoing Care Guidelines

• Light: Bright, indirect light; some direct morning sun is fine.
• Water: Water thoroughly only when the top 50% of soil is dry.
• Temperature: Keep above 50°F (10°C); avoid cold drafts.
• Pruning: Remove only completely dead, brown fronds at the base.
• Repotting: Rarely needed; they prefer being root-bound.

With patience and proper watering, your Sago Palm will remain a striking, long-lived architectural plant.