Perovskia Cycad Plant Care

Perovskia Cycad (Lepidozamia peroffskyana) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Lepidozamia genus. Perovskia Cycad is native to eastern Australia, primarily near the coast of New South Wales. Perovskia Cycad is also known as Australian Fern Palm.

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

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Perovskia 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.

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

Lepidozamia peroffskyana tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Perovskia 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 Perovskia Cycad to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Perovskia 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.

Perovskia 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.

Perovskia 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 Perovskia 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.

Perovskia 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.

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

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

Perovskia 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.

Perovskia Cycad grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Perovskia Cycad is native to eastern Australia, primarily near the coast of New South Wales. In cooler regions, grow Perovskia Cycad as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.