Cycas Revoluta

[JoelR]

Having been inspired by Simba's success, I got a good sized revoluta this year with the ultimate intention of planting it out. I'ts currently dominating my conservatory mainly because I only bought it in July and don't want to risk losing it so soon. I lost a smaller one last year in the greenhouse which had just a soil warming cable for protection. The new one would look amazing where until last winter a decent Chammy used to reside but I'm struggling to convince myself that with any amount of protection it would survive.

My last plant was bought at a flower show in April 2007 from a Southampton based nursery and was placed outside soon after purchase. It was totally defoliated within 2 weeks and took 2 years to recover but was finally binned in August this year after no signs of life.

Anyone in northern England got these planted out permanantly and doing well or even surviving??

[The Codfather]

I am shocked you lost one in a greenhouse

[kata]

Cold Coddy,

Think how bad it was last year. With no heating to speak of either. Had Joel fleeced his ipod it may just have survived.

ipods are supposed to be ok planted in the garden as frost only penetrates the first few inches.

[dk]

I've left mine outside this year after reading Simba's success story as well. Going to wrap it before the cold weather sets in, but at the moment it's doing fine.

It has already proven it can handle minus 6 degrees and freezing temperatures for days in my shed. Will be interesting to see if multiple layers of fleece and fabrics can keep it warm enough for it to survive in the ground this coming winter. I'm feeling optimistic, but I'm prepared to loose it if it gets silly cold again up here.

A Phoenix canariensis_CIDP in similar condition spear pulled...

[kata]

Well done on the success DK!!

[JoelR]

I am shocked you lost one in a greenhouse

It was -7C in the centre for 2-3 weeks Also lost a smallish Jubaea and lots of cacti/succulents.

[kata]

Stick a ball of fleece in the center Joel,

[Yorkshire Kris]

My dad got a small one through outside in a pot in winters 2007 and 2008. (and possibly 2009) but after last winter it had been killed. He didn't protect it at all.

[Dave Brown]

Just remember the wrapping has to cover the ground area that the fronds cover as well, this allows the warm earth to stop the Cycad from freezing. plenty of layers seemed to do the trick for Simba and he had -14C one night.

[sanatic1234]

Would putting canes a round the cycas then wrapping round the caines work better than actually wrapping the cycas itself Mine is only a tiddler but come next year i will plant it i reckon.

[kata]

I just did that with my fortunei San,

Not covered it yet...not cold enough.

There is a good sized fortunei not too far from me, I am wondering will they cover theirs. Theres always two/three cars at the house but never seen anyone outdoors doing the garden.

Its a case now of watch see if they cover it. If they never covered it last year its in damn great condition, its in a corner, possibly protected by a hedge..

[karl66]

Are these classed as root sensitive?, i have a couple that were both reppotted approx 6months ago. We now want to put the 1 of them in the lounge as a centre piece but would like a nice glazed clay pot, if we can find a big one!!. Would disturbing it again after only 6 months have any adverse effect on it. thanks karl.

[redsquirrel]

not on a potted one Karl.they take years to re-root when damaged but thats not likely to happen swapping pots. if in doubt just drop the old pot inside the new one and conceal it with something

[karl66]

not on a potted one Karl.they take years to re-root when damaged but thats not likely to happen swapping pots. if in doubt just drop the old pot inside the new one and conceal it with something

Ok m8, thanks.

[sanatic1234]

One thing i want to know is why are cycas roots so easy to damage compared to most roots on plants? mine just seemed to snap extremely easy and this was when i was re-potting it before i brought it inside. I literally removed it from the pot and the yellow roots just fell off so easy? Can anyone tell me why this is?