Everything You Need To Know About All Types Of Palm Trees
Cardboard Palm Tree
The Cardboard Palm Tree, scientific name Zamia furfuracea, is a shrubby-looking plant that is usually used indoors as a houseplant or outdoors underneath large palm trees. Zamia furfuracea is not a real palm but rather a cycad, like the Sago Palm.
Cardboard Palm Tree Info
Scientific name: Zamia furfuracea
Common names: The Cardboard Palm is also known as Cardboard Plant, Cardboard Sago, Cardboard Cycad, Jamaican Sago, and Mexican Cycad.
Family: Zamiaceae
Origin: Cardboard Palm is native to Mexico.
Appearance: Zamia furfuracea has a short thin fleshy trunk covered with old leaf bases. The trunk collects water that is used during drought. The Cardboard Palm has pinnate, feathery-like, leaves that grow from the center of the trunk reaching 3-4ft long. Leaves are olive green, overlapping, with a fuzzy surface that looks like they are made of plastic. They feel like cardboard to the touch, hence the name Cardboard Palm.
The circular crowns of leaves look like a cross between a fern and a palm tree. They form a symmetrical rosette growing upright in full sun and horizontal in shade. Thick leaves are covered with thick oval leaflets which are about 5 inches long and 1 inch wide.
Flowers/Fruits: The Cardboard Palm has a male and female reproductive system on separate plants. It produces interesting-shaped cones, egg-shaped on the female plant and long oval-shaped on the male. When ripe, the female cone breaks to reveal bright red seeds, about 1 inch long. This fruit is not eatable and is known to be toxic to dogs and cats.
Growth Rate: Slow. Younger palm grows at a slower rate but accelerates after forming a trunk. The Cardboard Palm grows in clumps and can get up to 5-10ft tall and 1-5 ft wide.
Outdoor/Indoor Use: The Cardboard Palm Tree is a very popular house plant because it is very easy to grow and maintain. If you want to grow it indoors, make sure it gets as much light as possible during its growing periods which happens once or twice a year, usually from March to June.
Cold Tolerance: It can be considered cold hardy because it is known to handle temperatures down to 20F. It is great for USDA Zones 9a (20 to 25 F) to 11 (above 40 F).
Light Req: Partial shade to full sun.
Water Req: It can also tolerate drought and doesn’t require a lot of water. The Cardboard Palm likes moist well-drained soil. When you water, the water gets stored in the trunk of the Cardboard Palm and is used in times of drought. To avoid root rot, don’t let it sit in the water.
Maintenance: Easy. To prevent nutritional deficiency, apply good quality palm fertilizer that has a continuous-release formula twice a year during the growing season.
Propagation: Propagated by seeds.
20 Amazing Benefits Of The Cardboard Palm Tree
The Cardboard Palm Tree, known scientifically as Zamia furfuracea, is a popular ornamental plant that offers a wealth of benefits:
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Drought Tolerance: It can withstand dry conditions.
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Low Maintenance: Requires less care compared to other plants.
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Attractive Appearance: Adds aesthetic appeal to any landscape.
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Air Purification: Helps to improve indoor air quality.
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Pest Resistance: Less prone to pest attacks.
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Hardy Nature: Can survive in varying weather conditions.
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Shade Tolerance: Can grow in partial to full shade.
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Slow Growth: It doesn't require frequent pruning.
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Non-Invasive Roots: Does not damage nearby structures.
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Longevity: It's a long-lived plant.
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Wind Resistant: Can withstand strong winds.
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Cold Tolerance: Can survive in relatively cold temperatures.
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Soil Adaptability: Can tolerate a range of soil types.
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Low Fertilizer Need: Doesn't require frequent fertilization.
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Arts and Crafts: Leaves and seed pods can be used in decorations.
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Container Planting: It can be grown in pots and containers.
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Erosion Control: It helps control soil erosion.
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Low Water Requirement: Doesn't need frequent watering.
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Salt Tolerance: Can tolerate salt, making it suitable for coastal areas.
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Urban Pollution Tolerance: Can withstand urban pollution.