Zamia furfuracea, whose bearing makes it an ornamental plant

Zamia furfuracea also known as Ball Palm, Cardboard Palm, or Zamia . It is from the genus Zamia and belongs to the Zamiaceae family, which is made up of about 50 species of shrubs. It is native to Central America.

Do not stop reading: Phoenix palm tree options to have in the garden

Characteristics of the Zamia furfuracea

Short-stemmed tropical plant  that can reach almost a meter in height.

The leaves are pinnate and arched which make it similar to a fern. They are formed by elliptical leathery leaflets of olive green color that have reddish hair (in adult specimens).

Dioecious species that produces male and female cones even with young specimens.

Zamia furfuracea care

If located in cold climates, it is used as a houseplant. But if it is found in subtropical climates, it is used as an isolated specimen, in garden groups or in pots for patios and terraces.

Slow-growing plant that requires exposure to full sun and semi-shade. Therefore, it is not advisable to subject it to temperatures below 10˚C.

If placed in a window, the ideal is to rotate the plant so that it can develop evenly.

It thrives in any soil, but one that is well drained. Although the one that can work very well is a mixture of 50% garden soil and 50% siliceous sand.

It is transplanted into a slightly larger pot when the roots begin to peek out from under the container.

Irrigation should be with water without lime in a moderate way, waiting for the substrate to dry well before adding more liquid. But it should be considered that it is resistant to drought, although if it is prolonged it runs the risk of losing the leaves.

Composting should be done 2 times a year with a slow-release fertilizer. So one should be applied in the spring and one in the summer.

Pruning is not necessary, it would only be necessary to remove the dry or damaged leaves to allow an optimal development of the species.

It is a specimen resistant to pests and diseases. The only problem is overwatering.

It can be multiplied by means of seeds, but it is advisable to acquire the plant in specialized places, since it takes a long time and it may not even do so.

It is important to emphasize that it should be handled with gloves, or washed immediately, since it is a toxic species.