How to prune sago palm 'aurea'

After a new flush of leaves has fully hardened, typically spring or summer. Cut individual dead or severely damaged fronds at their base with clean, sharp bypass pruners. Sanitize blades with isopropyl alcohol before and after to prevent spreading cycad diseases.

As needed, once or twice a year at most. Sago Palm 'Aurea' rarely needs pruning. Remove only dead, yellow, or brown leaves by cutting them at the base of the petiole close to the trunk. Never remove all lower leaves at once — the plant needs older leaves to fuel its slow growth. Flush new leaves (called a 'flush') emerge once or twice a year; wait until they harden before any tidying.

Cut individual dead or severely damaged fronds at their base with clean, sharp bypass pruners. Sanitize blades with isopropyl alcohol before and after to prevent spreading cycad diseases.