Growli

Plant family

CycadsCycadophyta

118 species across 10 genera in the Growli library

Cycads are ancient, palm-like gymnosperms that predate the dinosaurs — the sago "palm" (Cycas, not a true palm), the cardboard palm (Zamia) and the African bread palms (Encephalartos) among them.

Browse cycads by genus

Encephalartos (34)Zamia (25)Cycas (17)Dioon (13)Ceratozamia (12)Macrozamia (10)Bowenia (2)Lepidozamia (2)Stangeria (2)Microcycas (1)

All cycads we cover

Cycads — frequently asked questions

Are cycads toxic to cats and dogs?

Most cycads are not pet-safe. Of the 118 cycads in the Growli library, 118 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. They are not uniformly safe, so always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.

How much light do cycads need?

Most cycads want bright, indirect light — 58 of the 118 in our library do best there. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it needs more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much.

Are cycads easy to care for?

Cycads are moderate to grow: the one real requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and most of the rest of their care follows.

What is the Cycadophyta family?

The Cycadophyta family — the cycads — groups 118 species across 10 genera in the Growli library, most prominently Encephalartos, Zamia, Cycas. Members share a broadly similar light, water and soil pattern, which is why it pays to learn the family before the individual plant.