Care of the indoor plant Zamia furfuracea or Cardboard cycad |
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The genus Zamia, family Zamiaceae, includes 50 species of palm-like shrubs native to the American continent. Some species are: Zamia furfuracea, Zamia pumila, Zamia integrifolia, Zamia purpurea, Zamia boliviana. Common names: Mexican cycad, Jamaican sago, Cardboard cycad, Cardboard palm. This species is native to Veracruz, Mexico. They are plants with short stem and arched pinnate leaves (similar to ferns) that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves have leathery elliptical olive-green leaflets with reddish hair on the adult specimens. They are dioecious plants that produce female and male cones (from summer to autumn) even in very young specimens. Cardboard cycad is used as indoor and greenhouse plants; in regions with a subtropical climate it's used as isolated specimens, in groups and in pots for patios and terraces. It's ideal for coastal gardens due to its resistance to salinity. It's a toxic plant in case of ingestion. Zamia furfuracea is a slow-growing plant that needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. It does not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). If it's located next to a window, it's convenient to turn the plant so that it grows evenly. Mexican cycad thrives in any well-drained soil (even sandy soils) such as a mixture of 50% normal garden soil and 50% siliceous sand. Transplant to a slightly larger pot when the roots begin to appear below the container. Water with lime-free water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry. Jamaican sago resists several days of drought. Fertilize 2 times a year with slow release fertilizer: once in spring and once in summer. Cardboard cycad does not need pruning. Zamia furfuracea is a plant resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. It's advisable to buy Mexican cycad at nurseries, garden centers or plant stores because the seeds germinate very slowly. |
Images of the indoor plant Zamia furfuracea or Cardboard cycad |
 Zamia furfuracea  Zamia loddigesii |