Cycad
Cardboard Palm
Zamia furfuracea
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardZamia furfuracea
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$29.95
7 galFrom$64.95
15 galFrom$125.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked May 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterLow
Mature size2-5 feet × 5-8 feet
About Cardboard Palm
Zamia furfuracea, cardboard palm, is a slow-growing cycad native to eastern Mexico with stiff, arching fronds of leathery, oval leaflets that closely resemble corrugated cardboard in texture. Despite its palm-like appearance, it is a true cycad — an ancient non-flowering plant lineage — commonly used in tropical landscapes and containers. Starting at $29.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering (produces cones, Not true flowers)
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Alkaline, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established. Can be planted with extra attention to watering.
Growth slows as temperatures cool.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Thrives in full sun to part shade; acclimate slowly from shade-grown stock to avoid leaf scorch. In NE Florida, afternoon part shade can reduce heat stress.
Water
Highly drought-tolerant once established in well-drained NE Florida soils. Water young plants regularly; reduce frequency as the trunk builds its water-storing reserves. Avoid overwatering — root rot is the primary risk.
Soil & Fertilizer
Tolerates sandy, loamy, and even alkaline soils typical of NE Florida, provided drainage is excellent. Feed lightly with a slow-release cycad or palm fertilizer (8-2-12 with micronutrients) twice per year; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
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Common questions
Is Cardboard Palm a good plant for St. Augustine?
Cardboard Palm is a cycad for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-5 feet × 5-8 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.