Kaffir Cycad Plant Care

Kaffir Cycad (Encephalartos caffer) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Encephalartos genus. Kaffir Cycad is native to South Africa. Kaffir Cycad is also known as Eastern Cape Cycad.

Kaffir Cycad displays a slow-growing cycad growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Kaffir Cycad produces cones rather than typical flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kaffir 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.

Kaffir Cycad thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Kaffir Cycad in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Encephalartos caffer tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Kaffir Cycad prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Kaffir Cycad to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kaffir 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 bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kaffir Cycad is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 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.

Kaffir 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 Kaffir 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.

Kaffir Cycad is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kaffir Cycad can be propagated through seeds, offsets (pups).

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

Kaffir Cycad is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, spider 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.

Kaffir Cycad grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Kaffir Cycad is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Kaffir Cycad as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.