Cycas cairnsiana is a species of cycad in the genus Cycas, native to northern Australia in northern Queensland on the Newcastle Range. The stems grow to 2–5 m tall and 12–16 cm diameter, with swollen base. The leaves are dark orange-brown tomentose on emerging, then glaucous blue-green and glabrous with age, 60–110 cm long, bowed, keeled, pinnate, with 180-220 leaflets, the leaflets 8–18 cm long and 2–4 mm wide. The petioles are 18–27 cm long, and armed with sharp spines. The female cones are open, with sporophylls 16–21 cm long, with two to four ovules per sporophyll. The lamina is narrowly triangular, with toothed margins and an apical spine. The sarcotesta is yellow-brown with a waxy coating, the sclerotesta ovoid and flattened. The male cones are solitary, ovoid, 16–20 cm long and 7–10 cm diameter, brown, and with an upturned apical spine. It is named after William Cairns, governor of Queensland from 1875–1877.
How to keep Cycas Cairnsiana.
Water
Cycas cairnsiana needs plenty of water and proper drainage, with a recommended watering schedule of twice a week. However, if the plant is in an outdoor pot, it will require even more frequent watering. To help retain water, form a 3-inch high mound 12 inches away from the trunk. Make sure the top 10 inches of soil remains moist to prevent root rot.
Pruning
To prune Cycas cairnsiana effectively, only remove leaves that are completely dead, damaged, or diseased. Use sharp, clean shears to cut the oldest leaves close to the trunk, and be sure to disinfect your tools to prevent contamination. It's important not to remove healthy fronds, as they help maintain the plant's strength and resilience against pests and diseases.
Botanical profile.
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cycas
- Family
- Cycadaceae
- Planting Time
- Spring, Early summer, Fall
