Question
I have small-medium sized sago palm. It tarted to grow three new sprouts and they are very tall....taller than the other leaves. Is this normal? Will the mature leaves grow longer? Also am i supposed to trim down the new tall sprouts? I was kinmda surprised by this growth. This is my first sago palm (a gift from my neighbors) how shoudl i take care of it?
Thanks!
Michele

Answer
Hi Michele,

Those "sprouts" are new fronds that are emerging from the center of the plant. That is how it grows. They are like fern fronds that gradually unfurl, develop a deeper color and then get pulled more to the horizontal as they age. In a few months, they will look like the mature fronds you already have.

Sago palms put out a tier of new fronds only once or twice per year. So most of the time they appear to do nothing.

No, do not trim them down.

Sagos like lots of bright indirect light close to a window. They prefer small pots and rarely need repotting. Water yours as soon as the top half-inch of soil feels dry to the touch. No need to fertilize or mist. This is  a plant that does not like to be fussed over.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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