Just a guess: maybe seed grown plants form the thick tap root, while rooted offsets do not. I would guess that the offsets eventually form a well developed tap root.

To encourage the best growth, most Encephalartos need a deep pot.

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Xerophyte, my collection is basically palms but I have a few different species of cycads (Cycas revoluta, Dioon, Encephalartos and Zamia "cardboard palm"). I aim for deep pots in all the palms. Do you suggest larger and deeper containers for cycads compared to palms--similar to palm pot dimensions? Does it depend on the species? (I bought a cardboard palm recently and it looked as though it was in an azalea pot it was so shallow.) Also, do you think revolutas can be double planted as long as the pot is large enough. My cycads have been reluctant to push growth this year for some reason. Thanks! PS., Your plants always look gorgeous!