Zamia furfuracea

 Growth habit: A small upright bush usually not over 38" in height or width.   
Flowers: Yes, very unusual.
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Not critical.
Pests: Watch for mealy bug and scale.

Houseplant Cultural information: From the age of the dinosaur this prehistoric looking plant has a very distinct look. Cardboard Palms slow growing foliage is thick and firm with a feel and look of plastic. Once or twice a year (usually in spring) you will get a rapid spurt of growth. During this growing period be sure to keep the Cardboard Palm in as bright of light as possible.

Cardboard Palms prefer very bright lighting for proper growth. Direct sun or very strong filtered light from a east, south or west windows will do nicely. Heated sunrooms or greenhouse are an excellent place to grow a Cardboard Palm.

Cardboard Palms are sort of like a succulent not requiring a lot of water. On larger plants allow the soil to dry 1" to 2" from the surface soil before watering. Water all the way around the plant until water runs from the drainage holes. Remove excess water from the drip tray within a couple of hours to help prevent root rot.

Feed only twice a year. Once in the early spring when the Cardboard Palm begins to grow, and once in the late fall with Peter's Houseplant Special plant food. 

Cardboard Palms are propagated by planting seed.

Common houseplant pests can include: Foliar Mealy bug or Scale.


"Cardboard Palms" are available from small containers to very large containers. A large, mature plant may be 3 to 4 foot tall and up to 6 foot wide with a heavy trunk. A large specimen like this would be quite expensive.