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Anyone who flirts with cycads - no wonder, because they are fantastically beautiful with their long overhanging fronds - should think about how they can be protected from frost before buying and planting them.

Some species of cycad tolerate temperatures below -10 degrees, others do not tolerate frost at all

What happens when there is frost?

It basically depends on the kind you get. Most cycads are already offended when temperatures drop below 10°C. Others, on the other hand, can cope with temperatures around 0 °C for a short time.

In general, it can be said that the cycad is sensitive to frost and is not or only poorly winter hardy in our Central European regions. This tropical plant reacts to frost with frostbite. The roots freeze and eventually the entire plant dies. It will not sprout again…

Species and their temperature minimum

Below is a species that will tolerate frost to some degree. But: It is better not to challenge the plants and their minimum temperatures. Better protect them before the thermometer shows their minimum temperature!

  • Macrozamia stenomera (-10 °C)
  • Macrozamia diplomera (-8 °C)
  • Macrozamia platyrhachis (-8 °C)
  • Macrozamia macdonnellii (-6 °C)
  • Macrozamia reducta (-6 °C)
  • Dioon argenteum (-4 °C)
  • Macrozamia longispina (-4 °C)
  • Cycas media (-3 °C)
  • Cycas panzhihuaensis (-16 °C)
  • Cycas revoluta (-8 °C)

Procedure when winter is approaching: quartering

It is best to overwinter cycads. This is to be noted:

  • quartered when the first night frosts are to be expected
  • Choose a room with temperatures between 5 and 7 °C
  • the warmer, the more light is necessary
  • not warmer than 15 °C (otherwise the rest period will be disturbed)

Care during and after wintering

A cycad also needs care during the winter. Important: do not fertilize it! Watering should be sparing. It is good if the fronds are sprayed with lime-free water. Last but not least, the cycad should be checked regularly for pests such as spider mites.

After hibernating, the cycad is relocated. In the spring it can be repotted if necessary. Otherwise, it is lightly fertilized and slowly accustomed to the sun again to avoid sunburn.

tips and tricks

Make sure that small children and pets do not have access to the place of wintering. The cycad is poisonous!

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Category:

Trees