Saving a Freeze-Damaged Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) in Texas

Assessing Cold Damage on a Sago Palm

Sago palms (actually cycads) tolerate brief dips to freezing but suffer in hard freezes. Brown, dead fronds will not drop cleanly—they rot and can invite disease. If lower fronds remain green, the plant may survive.

Recovery Steps

1. Remove all dead (brown) fronds at the trunk.
2. Trim any yellowing lower fronds.
3. Protect the crown from future freezes with frost cloth or a temporary structure.
4. Water sparingly until new growth emerges.

New growth from the center (the "flush") indicates survival. Be patient; cycads are slow to respond.