Non-poisonous cycads?

[smweaver]

Does anyone on the site grow cycads? I love the way the plants look, and would like to add a couple to my sunroom. But everything I seem to find on the different genera indicates that there are many that are highly toxic. I'm in the process of adopting a couple of puppies from the local humane society, and being the inquisitive animals that puppies are, I don't want to take the chance of them nibbling on something that's going to harm them. Does anyone know of any cycads that are fairly benign in that regard (or, conversely, any that should be avoided at all costs)? If so, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!

Steve

[kavanaru]

HiSteve,

don't worry about your puppies and get the cycads you like. the leave of none of them is so toxic that would kill a dog or cat or whatever just by eating a piece of it (don't think your puppies will eat a lot more as the leaves are very coriaceous!). Furthermore, puppies are more intelligent that what most people think, if they try the leave and get a bit sick (maybe they will vomit and get soe stomach ache but not more than that), they will not get on that plant anymore - that's exactly the theory behing spraying plants with chili oil to teach cats they should not eat them...

ok, I admit cats can be a bit more silly than gods in this case, as they are looking exactly for the emetic effect when they eat the plants

[smweaver]

Thanks, Ramon. I guess I could compromise by buying what I want and then just putting it up on a bench that's out of reach to the dogs. I have a large Agave americana that will have to get the same treatment. It's already attacked me a number of times and drawn blood. Maybe, in addition to the orchid benches, one will be designated for not-so-friendly plants. Thanks again for your feedback!

Steve

[Faan]

I must admit that I have not seen any animal trying to chew on a cycad leave, but I think they will not even consider trying South African cycads as most of them bear thorns which will make it very difficult to eat/chew. We have beautiful cycads in our country.

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by Faan

I must admit that I have not seen any animal trying to chew on a cycad leave, but I think they will not even consider trying South African cycads as most of them bear thorns which will make it very difficult to eat/chew. We have beautiful cycads in our country.

Hi Faan, I invite you to Switzerland to meet my cats
They have already tried, different orchids, Olive tree, Ferns (vomiting a lot after it), Aloe vera and Ananas (both with thorns), and chili plants... That's why I say cats are a bit more silly than dogs

[smweaver]

Faan, funny you should mention African cycads since it's exactly a species from your continent that I've decided to try: Encephalartos sclavoi. It's not an inexpensive plant here, so I've been debating on it for over a month now (and if this species is common where you are, I don't want to know! :-). But I'm going to place my order tomorrow and then simply dine on peanut butter for the next month while I resupply my savings account. Thanks for your feedback. As long as I don't have any cats in the area, I think the plant will do well for me.

Steve

[growme]

I honestly don't know if cycads are poisonious. But definately be careful with chocolate and raisens. I have managed to start a few plants from seeds for Coonti (Florida native) and Cardboard palms. They are VERY slow growers and thus their expensive pricetags.