cactus succulent RHS Award

Cardboard Palm

Zamia furfuracea

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

48 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived cycad

Native To

Veracruz, Mexico

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested by humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Zamia furfuracea, the Cardboard Palm, is not a true palm but a cycad, a type of ancient seed plant. It has a thick, partially subterranean trunk and a rosette of stiff, pinnate leaves that feel like cardboard. This plant is extremely tough and drought-tolerant, with a unique prehistoric appearance. Its stiff, fuzzy leaflets give it a distinctive texture and architectural form, making it a popular houseplant and landscape specimen.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its bold, architectural form and unique cardboard-like texture provide a dramatic, prehistoric look to gardens and containers, serving as a fantastic focal point.

Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and for gardeners seeking tough, resilient plants for hot, dry climates.

As a cycad, it represents an ancient lineage of plants, offering educational value about plant evolution. It is a living fossil, having existed since the time of the dinosaurs.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with bright light and fast-draining soil.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Plant so the top of the caudex is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with a sandy or gritty soil mix.
Water sparingly after planting.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Excellent drainage is critical. Amend heavy soils with sand or perlite, or grow it in a container with cactus mix.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide bright, indirect light or full sun.
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix.
Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely.
Protect from frost in colder zones.

Don't

Do not overwater; this is the most common cause of death.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soil.
Do not allow pets or children to ingest any part of the plant.
Do not bury the caudex (trunk) below the soil line.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Textural container specimenDrought-tolerant rock garden featureBold architectural accent plant

Companion Plants

Agave attenuata Yucca filamentosa Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Echeveria species Senecio mandraliscae

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cardboard Palm questions

What zones can Cardboard Palm grow in?

Cardboard Palm is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cardboard Palm deer resistant?

Yes — Cardboard Palm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cardboard Palm bloom?

Cardboard Palm typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cardboard Palm need full sun?

Cardboard Palm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cardboard Palm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cardboard Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.