What is the watering advice for this Encephalartos? This issue is confusing when you read the online references. On one hand, there are sites that recommend sparse watering, one or two times per week. There are other sites that tell you that you must never let the roots get dry, and that the plants like frequent watering.

I understand that the soil MUST be FAST DRAINING soil. I have mine planted in a desert soil gritty mix.

Damaged tissue will never be green again. Dead tissue is dead tissue. New fronds will be accustomed to whatever light situation you have them in though.

I've had cerinus, arenarius, longifolius and trispinosus for about two years and they are slow plants. I get one or two new fronds a year and look slightly larger than yours there. I water mine every couple of days in order to keep the soil moist. They'll take water as long as there is good drainage. Watering will vary with temperature, time of year, sun exposure, etc. You'll have to learn to read your plants and know when they need to be watered. There is no universally true watering regiment.

@Josue what signs do you look for on a Cycad to tell you it is underwatered?

Does anyone have a reference showing the ideal growing conditions for Encephalartos Cerinus? What is the range of growing zones? What are the rules around temperature and watering? There are pages from Google but they are surprisingly short on good details.