{"title":"Cycads","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDiscover the timeless beauty of cycads, some of the oldest living plants on Earth. Often mistaken for palms, these prehistoric wonders offer bold architectural form, dramatic foliage, and unmatched collector appeal. From striking blue varieties to lush tropical species, cycads bring ancient elegance and sculptural beauty to any plant collection. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts seeking rare, slow growing statement plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"dioon-spinulosum-giant-mexican-cycad-larger-cousin-to-dioon-edule-rare-1","title":"Dioon spinulosum 'Giant Mexican Cycad'","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the largest and most impressive cycads in the world, often developing a thick trunk and a dramatic crown of long, arching fronds that give it a palm like appearance. Native to Mexico, this ancient plant dates back to prehistoric times and is often considered a living fossil. Its bold structure and slow growth make it a prized specimen for collectors who want something truly timeless and architectural. Over time, it can become a massive centerpiece, bringing a tropical, almost Jurassic feel to any space or landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight 🌞\u003cbr\u003ePrefers bright light to full sun. Indoors, place near the brightest window possible. Outdoors, it can handle direct sun once acclimated.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatering 💧\u003cbr\u003eWater thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It is drought tolerant once established and does not like consistently wet soil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoil 🕳️\u003cbr\u003eUse a very well draining mix. A cactus or succulent blend with added perlite or pumice works well to prevent root rot.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFertilizing 🧪\u003cbr\u003eFeed during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. Cycads benefit from micronutrients as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRepotting 🪴\u003cbr\u003eRepot infrequently, as this plant prefers to be slightly root bound. When repotting, choose a container with excellent drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Etsy","offers":[{"title":"4 inch","offer_id":45975070933165,"sku":"8981503751_4","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 inch terra cotta","offer_id":45975070900397,"sku":"89815037513","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/0060\/3565\/files\/il_fullxfull.7820444192_f7ig_9813bcf6-2b29-4caf-aafe-c6882f542799.jpg?v=1777951871"},{"product_id":"encephalartos-horridus-blue-cycad","title":"Encephalartos horridus 'Blue Cycad'","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSeed grown in Southern California.  Native to South Africa’s Eastern Cape, this striking cycad is prized for its icy blue, sharply divided leaves and ancient, prehistoric appearance. Often called the Blue Cycad or Eastern Cape Blue Cycad, it belongs to one of the oldest groups of seed plants on Earth, with relatives dating back to the age of dinosaurs. Its dramatic color comes from a natural waxy coating that helps protect the plant from intense sun and dry conditions. In the wild, it grows in rocky, open habitats where drainage is excellent and rainfall is seasonal, making it a slow growing but incredibly sculptural collector plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e 🌞\u003cbr\u003eProvide bright light with several hours of direct sun. Strong light helps maintain its blue coloration and compact growth. Indoors, place it near the brightest window possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWatering\u003c\/b\u003e 💧\u003cbr\u003eAllow the soil to dry out well between waterings. This plant is drought tolerant once established and is more likely to suffer from overwatering than underwatering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e 🕳️\u003cbr\u003eUse a very fast draining mix, such as cactus soil amended with pumice, lava rock, or coarse sand. Excellent drainage is essential to protect the roots and caudex from rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFertilizing\u003c\/b\u003e 🧪\u003cbr\u003eFeed lightly during the active growing season with a balanced, slow release fertilizer or diluted liquid fertilizer. Avoid overfeeding, as cycads grow naturally at a slow pace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRepotting\u003c\/b\u003e 🪴\u003cbr\u003eRepot only when necessary, usually every few years. Choose a sturdy pot with drainage and avoid disturbing the roots too much, since cycads prefer to stay settled.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SarahCotta Plants","offers":[{"title":"4 inch band pot","offer_id":45988935041197,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/0060\/3565\/files\/IMG_3082.jpg?v=1778257581"},{"product_id":"dioon-edule-palma-de-la-virgen","title":"Dioon edule 'Palma de la Virgen'","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA slow growing cycad with stiff, feather like fronds and a prehistoric look, this species is often called Chestnut Dioon, Palma de la Virgen, or Mexican Cycad. Native to Mexico, it grows in rocky hillsides and dry forests where it has adapted to heat, drought, and poor soils. Like other cycads, it is an ancient plant lineage that predates flowering plants, giving it a bold, living fossil quality that makes it especially collectible. Its symmetrical crown, tough blue green leaves, and rugged trunk make it a striking choice for collectors who love rare, sculptural plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e 🌞\u003cbr\u003eProvide bright light to full sun. Indoors, place it near a very bright window. Outdoors, it can handle direct sun once acclimated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWatering\u003c\/b\u003e 💧\u003cbr\u003eAllow the soil to dry out well between waterings. Water deeply, then let excess moisture drain away. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e 🕳️\u003cbr\u003eUse a very well draining mix, such as cactus soil amended with pumice, perlite, lava rock, or coarse sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFertilizing\u003c\/b\u003e 🧪\u003cbr\u003eFeed lightly during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over fertilizing, as this is a naturally slow growing plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRepotting\u003c\/b\u003e 🪴\u003cbr\u003eRepot only when necessary, usually every few years. It prefers to stay slightly root bound and does not like frequent disturbance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SarahCotta Plants","offers":[{"title":"4 inch","offer_id":46013001236653,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/0060\/3565\/files\/IMG_3085.jpg?v=1778258159"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0683\/0060\/3565\/collections\/IMG_3089.jpg?v=1778257992","url":"https:\/\/sarahcottaplants.com\/collections\/cycads.oembed","provider":"SarahCotta Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}