- Tropical Indoor Plant
- Low Maintenance
- Slow Growth Rate
- Can Handle Direct Sunlight or Partial Shade
With Cardboard Palm, you can impress your friends by growing something that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs, even if your plant is brand new. Cardboard Palm (also known as Cardboard Plant and Zamia furfuracea) actually is a cycad instead of a palm, but its fronds resemble palms. The shrub is native to the Americas, especially areas with tropical climates. It's a tough plant that requires bright light but little care. If you live in zones 9 to 11, you can grow Cardboard Palm outdoors. If not, pot it as a pretty tropical houseplant.
Cardboard Palm fronds grow to at least 3 feet long, with 12 pairs of leaves that run side-by-side down the stems. Outdoors, the plant can reach nearly 6 feet in diameter. The fleshy leaves are a deep green for an exotic look and a perfect backdrop for flowering plants in the landscape or indoor containers. Because the trunk is thick and fleshy, Cardboard Palm can handle drought, just adding to its easy care.
Cardboard Palm Care
Water your new Cardboard Palm a little more often in the first year, until it is established in the ground or container. After that, only water when the soil feels dry; too much water can cause root rot. The plants can handle direct sunlight or part shade. The only thing they can't take is freezing cold. Cardboard Palms grow slowly, another perfect indoor plant feature. You can fertilize twice a year (early spring and fall) if you like. All parts of Cardboard Palm are toxic, so keep your plant away from curious pets.
Cardboard Palm Spacing
In the landscape, plant your Cardboard Palm in well-draining soil no closer than 6 feet to other plants if possible. The easy-care plant grows well indoors in regular potting mix and will need repotting after a few years if the roots outgrow the container.
Cardboard Palm Plant Facts
Light Requirement: Bright Light |
Maintenance: Low |
Watering: Average |
Height: 4 - 5 Feet Tall |
Spread: 6 Feet Wide |
Habit: Mounded |
Foliage Color(s): Deep Green |
Flower Color: N/A |
Bloom Period: N/A |
Scientific Name: Zamia furfuracea |
Common Name: Cardboard Palm |
- SKU:
- TG7247
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.