Encephalartos ferox is one of the most attractive and widely grown of the East African cycads. It requires excellent drainage and does particularly well in deep sandy soil. It commonly grows in part shade however in cultivation, plants in full sun grow much faster than those grown in shade. But ideally find a position where Encephalartos ferox gets 3 or 4 hours of sun a day, and part shade for the rest, and this will keep the foliage at its most attractive. 'Ferox' is from the Latin for 'ferocious' which no doubt refers to its sharply spined leaves. Encephalartos ferox grows well in frost-free areas and enjoys plenty of heat and water, consistent with its conditions in habitat. One of the fastest-growing of all cycads, this beauty is one of the best Cycad species for the home garden.
