Peter recommends planting in unglazed terracotta pots because the unglazed clay will help to remove any excess water, thereby preventing the plant becoming waterlogged and dying. If you plant in a large pot and use a good potting mix, your cycad could remain there happily for 10 to 20 years. Peter has 230 species in his collection out of the known 260 in the world. They come from all over the world but he specialises in African varieties. Cycads may be difficult to find in nurseries but Peter has 85 exotic species for sale through Eudlo Cycad Gardens.
Cycads do make interesting garden or lawn specimens.
Most species are suitable for this purpose and two stunning examples are Encephalartos ferox with its holly-green leaves and large, bright red cones and Encephalartos kisambo . If you are going to plant them in the garden or lawn place the plant on top of a mound of sandy soil instead of digging down into the soil for really effective drainage. Cycads will grow in nearly all areas of Australia, depending on the species. Cycads are available at some garden centres but are also sold directly by Peter Heibloem from his specialist cycad nursery, Eudlo Cycad Gardens. 4560 Visits to the garden are by appointment only.