How to prune karoo cycad

Any time of year, when dead fronds appear. Cut dead fronds cleanly at the trunk base with sterilised sharp shears or a pruning saw for larger specimens. Do not cut green fronds or the central crown.

Rarely — only to remove dead or damaged fronds. Karoo Cycad (Encephalartos lehmannii) is a slow-growing South African cycad requiring very little pruning. Remove only dead, yellow, or mechanically damaged fronds by cutting at the trunk base. This drought-adapted cycad stores vital energy in its trunk and fronds — unnecessary pruning is harmful, not helpful.

Cut dead fronds cleanly at the trunk base with sterilised sharp shears or a pruning saw for larger specimens. Do not cut green fronds or the central crown.