Water
Water Zamia furfuracea thoroughly when the top 5-7 cm of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Also known as Cardboard Cycad · Cardboard Palm
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea) is a slow-growing cycad with stiff, leathery leaves, resembling a palm but is more closely related to conifers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
50% intensity
Reduce frequency in winter.
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
50% intensity
Average room temperatures
50% intensity
Prefers 18-24°C. Avoid temperatures below 10°C.
Feed sparingly
25% intensity
During growing season, diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains toxic compounds. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and neurological effects.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Zamia furfuracea thoroughly when the top 5-7 cm of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Pruning is generally not required for Zamia furfuracea. Remove only dead, damaged, or diseased fronds at the base of the plant. This helps maintain the plant's aesthetic and prevents potential disease spread.
Propagation is primarily done through offsets (pups) that emerge from the base of the mature plant. Carefully separate these offsets with a clean, sharp knife and allow them to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Repot mature plants every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend.
Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excessive moisture retention.
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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