Sago Palm

Ancient Beauty for Modern Landscapes

The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) isn’t actually a palm — it’s a cycad, one of the most ancient plant groups on Earth. With stiff, dark green fronds radiating from a rugged trunk, it adds architectural drama to foundations, entryways, and containers. Alfaro Tree Sales stocks Sago Palms at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

1–3 in/yr
Growth Rate
4–8 ft
Mature Height
Good
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low
Growth
1–3 in/yr
Mature Height
4–8 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Living Fossil
Ancient Cycad

Living Fossil

Cycads have existed for over 200 million years, predating the dinosaurs. The Sago Palm brings this ancient lineage into your modern landscape as a dramatic architectural accent.

Ancient cycad (200+ million years old) Dramatic architectural form Low maintenance Available at our 40-acre nursery

Sago Palm vs. Windmill Palm

Two popular poolside options for San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Sago Palm

Growth Rate1–3 in/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height4–8 ft
WaterLow
Best ForAccent, Foundation

Windmill Palm

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForShade

Growth Timeline

Expected growth after planting.

4 ft
Planting
6 ft
Year 5
7 ft
Year 10
Full form
8 ft
Year 20+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water regularly during the first growing season. Moderate water needs once established; supplement during extended drought.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils. Light balanced fertilizer in spring after year 1.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Best done in late winter (January–February).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal for establishment before summer heat.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low
Growth Rate
1–3 in/yr
Mature Height
4–8 ft
Canopy Spread
4–8 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Foliage
Evergreen
Native Range
Japan
Soil
Any / Well-Drained
Best For
Accent, Foundation
Category
Poolside
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Sago Palms grow 1–3 in/yr in San Antonio under good conditions.

Moderately. They benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Mature size is typically 4–8 ft tall with a 4–8 ft spread.

They thrive in any / well-drained soils, which matches most San Antonio properties.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols.

We offer Sago Palms in various sizes. Available at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro. Request a free quote.

Sago Palms are excellent for accent, foundation in the San Antonio area.