Germination The seeds should be cleaned and then stored dry and at temperatures from about 18°C -20°C. Almost all seeds need a period in which the embryo develops. This time is different from species to species. Genus Typical holding period (in months) Bowenia 1 to 3 Ceratozamia 3 to 6 Cycas 4 to 12 Dioon 0 to 2 Encephalartos 4 to 6 Lepidozamia 3 Macrozamia 3 Microcycas 1 bis 2 Stangeria 1 to 2 Zamia 0 to 2 During this time the seeds should be watered approximately every 4 weeks so that the embryo does not dry out. When it`s time to germinate the seeds, they should be soaked for 24 hours. Then they come in a bag with moist perlite and vermiculite or closed plastic pot or a small room greenhouse. The substrate on which the seeds are rest on should be slightly wetted. The optimum temperature for germination is around 25°C - 28°C. The germination-time is quite different and you should not give up the seeds too early. This time can last up to a year. You should keep an eye on them and the substrate every 2-3 days, later every week. When appropriate, they must be re-moistened. After the seeds are sprouted, put them in a deep pot to a Kokohum substrate and after the first leaf has unfolded completely they come into a suitable pot with the corresponding substrat. You can buy the right dimensioned pots and combined substrate mixtures under the points: "pots" and "Substrat". About a month later, you should feed your plant with organic plant fertiliser to stimulate growth. For best results, feed your cycad on a monthly basis from early in spring until the beginning of autumn. In the summer (when temperatures reach approximately 25°C - 30°C) you should water your plant once a week. In winter (in temperatures of about 5°C - 10°C), watering once a month is recommended. Cycads love water but hate wet feet. Too much water kills them. Excellent drainage is the most important requirement for healthy growth of plants. You should make sure that the lower tips of the roots never stand in the water. Most cycads can also get dry conditions, but constant moisture is definitely better. Except for a few rainforest species, 95% of cycads grow much better in full sun to 60% sun than shade. If you have any other question, please let me know by email or write to me by my contakt-form. I will answer as soon as possible.