There are 289 species in 11 genera, but only a few species in 5 genera are common in horticulture. The 11 genera are– Bowenia, Ceratozamia, Chigua, Cycas, Dioon, Encephalartos, Lepidozamia Macrozamia, Microcycas, Stangeria and Zamia. The only genera in which species are commonly cultivated are– Cycas, Dioon, Macrozamia and Zamia. There are some Encephalartos available, but due to CITES limitations are very difficult to obtain. CITES prevents the sale of Encephalartos seeds from their native country to the United States.

Cultivation of cycads is relatively simple. Depending on the species, they thrive either in full sun or shade. They are very tolerant to different soils, but all require well-drained soils. Most are quite drought tolerant. Cycads have few disease or pest problems although some, like the ubiquitous sago palm, do have problems with scale. Most tend to thrive on benign neglect, requiring very little to keep them happy.

Although many cycads are not particularly hardy outside Zone 9, collectors and hobbyists outside the zone still grow and enjoy them. They have solved the problem by simply growing them in pots and bringing them inside in winter.  Since cycads are such slow growers, they can be maintained in containers for many years, sometimes a lifetime