I originally bought this cycad from Columbia road market in the summer of 2005 for £20.

When we moved it was given to a friend to look after who left it next to a radiator for 2 months and when we got it back it looked like the the first picture. I cut off the foliage (very spikey!) and fed and watered it loads- and it started sending up its flush in early July 2006. Hopefully this will give the fronds time to harden up before the winter as it is staying outside this year.