Mine is also loaded with pups,about 15.Here is a website that might help.http://www.rhapisgardens.com/sagos/sagopups.htm

You cut the leaves off because the leaves actually take energy out of the offset. The offset has to supply energy and moisture to the leaves, which it is not taking up, because there are no roots. Once the roots start to take in moisture, etc. then the offset can start to supply the leaves, and even then, not as many leaves as it had originally, until there are enough roots. All plants have a balance between roots and leaves. Depending on the size of the offset, half an offset is good enough to still make a new plant. For that matter, just a few leaf bases can start new plants. A couple of articles on these subjects: http://cycadjungle.8m.com/cycadjungle/Most%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.html and: http://cycadjungle.8m.com/cycadjungle/Horticulture%2C%20Article%204%20Never%20throw%20away%20a%20cycad.htm

The best way to separate them is to cut off the fronds and try and save as many roots as possible. Let them dry out for a day (don't put it in too much sun though as it is drying out) so the cuts can heal and after that, plant it in good soil. This time of the year it will start to end it's growth for the season and I definitely don't recommend separating them with winter so close so if you can wait out until spring, that would be good. It looks like you won't be able to separate the pups without getting rid of a lot of the roots. It will recover fine with the roots cut off if the fronds cut off, but it will need some nice weather to get it going again. Good luck! -Alex

Okay, you all inspired me to try and remove a couple of pups from my big sago today. I placed the back of the shovel against the mother and then pushed down (had to work it). It was like I was tearing the plant up and there were juices. Once I removed the pup, it was actually two. The one I originally started with turned out to be the size of a small pineapple. The other one that was buried and came out with the first was a little larger than a big avacado. My question now, the larger one has part of its side shaved off. Did I kill it? My second question, my other sago has several small (avacado sized) pups on it. But the mother plant has started to sprout new fronds, so should I leave those pups attached until next year? Thanks for any advice.