Also known as Cardboard Cycad · Cardboard Palm
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Zamia furfuracea, commonly known as the Cardboard Palm or Cycad, is a slow-growing evergreen palm-like plant with stiff, leathery leaves forming a crown.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun, especially morning sun. Protect from intense afternoon sun.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Well-draining, sandy loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost and extreme cold.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season only.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Zamia furfuracea is drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Pruning is generally minimal, primarily for removing old, damaged, or dead fronds. Cut fronds at the base close to the stem. Avoid pruning healthy green fronds as this can stress the plant.
Cycads have a natural growth habit and do not require shaping.
Propagation is typically done through offsets or suckers that grow from the base of the mature plant. Carefully separate these offsets, ensuring they have some roots attached, and pot them in a well-draining medium.
This method is slow and requires patience.
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, which is infrequent as they are slow growers. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. Repot in spring before active growth begins.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cycad (Zamia furfuracea)
Where Cycad (Zamia furfuracea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Cycadopsida |
| Order | Cycadales |
| Family | Zamiaceae |
| Genus | Zamia |
| Species | Zamia furfuracea |
Similar in genus Zamia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
