A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 sago question

does anyone know what the spike growing out of the top of my sago is? it hasn't done much but get taller. the curly things on the side of it look almost like fern fronds before they unfurl, but they don't ever open (it's been that way for about 2 months now)

Hi,

That's a brand new frond/leaf, mine did the same thing in the past only it seven of those VERY long stems growing like that all at once and it looked really weird!Another time it was three, many only grow one or two a year. I don't recall how long it took for the little leaves up the sides to grow out, but eventually they did.

Susan

Your sago seems to be in insufficient light. The spike thing is nothing but new leaves-because of the low light, they are stretching up to whatever light they can get.

I agree, it's a new leaf that wants a LOT more direct sun. You know about phasing it into the sun to prevent burn...

second what preciousgreen says -- I had the same thing happen to me last year.

I cut off two long and ridiculously bendy ones, and got three new better behaved ones starting within two weeks. they grow fast, too!

I had mine in an indirect medium light outside location that got a spot of morning sun, shade after about 10am, but that's because I couldn't get the light indoors.