Hupeh Cycad Plant Care

Hupeh Cycad (Lepidozamia hopei) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Lepidozamia genus. Hupeh Cycad is native to a small part of the Australian state of Queensland. Hupeh Cycad is also known as Chinese Fern Palm.

Hupeh Cycad displays a slow-growing, large cycad growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Hupeh Cycad produces cones with seeds, not typical flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hupeh 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.

Hupeh Cycad thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Hupeh Cycad in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Hupeh Cycad to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hupeh 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 to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hupeh Cycad is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Hupeh Cycad can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Hupeh 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.

Hupeh 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.

Hupeh Cycad can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to perovskia cycad plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Hupeh Cycad is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Hupeh Cycad grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hupeh Cycad is native to a small part of the Australian state of Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Hupeh Cycad as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.