How to care for and water the iron tree?

Cycas revoluta, as a common ornamental plant, is loved by people for its tenacious vitality and unique ornamental value. However, during the maintenance process, problems such as yellowing leaves and drying and falling leaves often occur, which is usually caused by improper maintenance methods. Let’s learn together how to care for and water the iron tree.

1. Choose the right flower pot and soil

The cycad should not be planted in a pot that is too large. A pot that is 5-10 cm larger than its roots should be chosen. The soil should have good air permeability and water permeability. It is recommended to use river sand and garden soil mixed in a 1:1 ratio. If you are worried about insufficient nutrients, you can add sheep manure in appropriate amounts to keep the ratio of soil to sheep manure at 10:1.

2. Reasonable watering

The iron tree does not require much water, and its trunk can store a large amount of water and nutrients. Watering should follow the principle of "water thoroughly when the soil is dry." Watering should be carried out according to this principle during the growing season. When the temperature drops in winter, the iron tree enters a dormant state and the watering period can be extended to one and a half to two months.

3. Adequate lighting

The cycad is a light-loving plant and should be placed in a place with sufficient light. Adequate light helps the leaves remain dark green and stiff, promotes photosynthesis, and makes the root system more developed.

4. Apply fertilizer at the right time

Cycas revoluta can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it still needs regular fertilization during the growing season. It is recommended to use a multi-element fertilizer with a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as nutrient solution or compound fertilizer . Note that the fertilizer must be diluted before use. If the leaves turn yellow, you can occasionally use quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer to spray the leaves. In northern regions, you can regularly supplement ferrous sulfate to maintain soil acidity and promote leaf growth.

5. Maintenance precautions

When caring for iron trees, the ambient temperature should not be lower than 5 degrees to avoid damage. Ensure adequate light, properly configure the soil, and avoid using pots that are too large. Regular watering and fertilizing are key to keeping your cycad healthy.

The above are the maintenance methods and watering precautions for the iron tree. If you find that the iron tree you raise at home is always not growing well, it may be that the maintenance work has not been done well.