Short-spined cycad Plant Care

Short-spined cycad (Cycas brachycantha) belongs to the Cycadaceae family within the Cycas genus. Short-spined cycad is native to northern Vietnam.

Short-spined cycad displays a slow-growing palm-like tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Short-spined cycad produces cones with seeds, not typical flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Short-spined cycad every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Short-spined cycad thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cycas brachycantha tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Short-spined cycad prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Short-spined cycad to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Short-spined cycad every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Short-spined cycad is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Short-spined cycad can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Short-spined cycad while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Short-spined cycad is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Short-spined cycad can be propagated through seeds, offsets (pups). Similar propagation techniques also apply to cycas inermis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Short-spined cycad is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Short-spined cycad grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Short-spined cycad is native to northern Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Short-spined cycad as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.