Blyde River Cycad
Encephalartos cupidus
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1m |
50cm | Min | 50cm |
Blyde River Cycad Overview
The Blyde river cycad is a subterranean dwarf species that form crowns just above the ground. Leaves are blue-green, maturing to a yellow-grey. Female cones are egg-shaped, 18 - 20 cm long and light green, becoming yellow-green as they mature.
Common problems with Blyde River Cycad
Few, but include mealy bug and scale.
How to harvest Blyde River Cycad
Harvest seed when colored and mature.
How to propagate Blyde River Cycad
Seed
Naked seeds grow on female plants and need pollen from male plants to be fertile. Sow fresh fertile seeds in sandy soil and keep warm and moist. Germination can take 1-3 months.
Suckers
Allow suckers to grow attached to the motherplant for about two years until they have enough reserves to survive on their own. Remove with a clean cut and use flowers-of-sulphar to help the wounds to heal.
Special features of Blyde River Cycad
Pot plant
Indoor plant
Drought resistant
Attracts birds
Other uses of Blyde River Cycad
Ornamental
Edible
The Afrikaans name 'Broodboom' came from the traditional use of the pith as bread - note that Cycads is toxic and it needs a 3month fermentation process to break down those toxins!