Propagation
Sow fresh seeds during early spring and pre-soak in heated water 13º to 18ºC (55º-64ºF) for 24 hours. The seeds may require scarification.

Note:
In cold climates this cycad is grown in a conservatory or glasshouse and is planted in deep pots with equal parts of loam and coarse sand with some granulated bark and the addition of slow-release fertiliser. It should be placed in a bright filtered light, humid position and watered regularly during summer.

Botanic information
Leaf: The large arching pinnate fronds are up to 1.2 m (4ft) long and are not twisted. They are composed of 50 to 100 glossy dark green leaflets that are up to 300 mm (1 ft) long by 10 mm (⅜ in) wide with a obvious whitish swellings at the base. The fronds are arranged in a whorl at ground level and have a smooth petiole up to 300 mm (1 ft) long and there are between 2-15 fronds in the crown.

Flower: The cycad is dioecious and there are 5-8 greenish male cones in a cluster on a male plant. There are normally 2-stalked ovoid female cones on a female plant and are 150 mm to 200 mm (8 in) long. They appear at the base of the leaves during summer and disintegrate when ripe.

Fruit: The bright orange-reddish seeds are 25 mm (1 in) long and are arranged in an ovoid cone that is up to 200 mm (8 in) long and have long spiny tips. The seeds are poisonous, containing a starchy endosperm that has poisonous glycosides and are fatal if consumed by humans or stock.