The cycad relative looks similar to a sago palm (Cycas revoluta) and thrives when planted in partial shade and watered regularly. Nice as a container plant because of its slow growth, Ceratozamia should be placed where there are no cold pockets. Prolonged frost will cause frond dieback.
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Characteristics
Cultivar: n/aFamily: Zamiaceae
Size: Height: 4 ft. to 10 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 6 ft.
Plant Category: palms and cycads,
Plant Characteristics: vase-shaped, weeping,
Foliage Characteristics: coarse leaves, evergreen,
Flower Characteristics:
Flower Color:
Tolerances: deer, heat & humidity, rabbits, seashore,
Requirements
Bloomtime Range: not applicable
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Dappled to Part Sun
pH Range: 5.5 to 6.5
Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Potting Soil
Water Range: Normal to Moist
Plant Care
Fertilizing
How-to : Fertilize Monthly Now is the time to begin fertilizing with a water-soluble fertilizer. Continue through the end of summer.
Light
Conditions : Dappled Light Dappled Light refers to a dappled pattern of light created on the ground, as cast by light passing through high tree branches. This is the middle ground, not considered shady, but not sunny either. Dappled remains constant throughout the day.
Conditions : Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Part sun or part shade plants prefer light that is filtered. Sunlight, though not direct, is important to them. Often morning sun, because it is not as strong as afternoon sun, can be considered part sun or part shade. If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun, such as the Pacific Northwest, a full sun exposure may be fine. In other areas such as Florida, plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received.
Watering
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes.
Planting
How-to : Planting Shrubs Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to plant at the same level the shrub was in the container. If soil is poor, dig hole even wider and fill with a mixture half original soil and half compost or soil amendment.
Carefully remove shrub from container and gently separate roots. Position in center of hole, best side facing forward. Fill in with original soil or an amended mixture if needed as described above. For larger shrubs, build a water well. Finish by mulching and watering well.
If the plant is balled-and-burlapped, remove fasteners and fold back the top of natural burlap, tucking it down into hole, after you've positioned shrub. Make sure that all burlap is buried so that it won't wick water away from rootball during hot, dry periods. If synthetic burlap, remove if possible. If not possible, cut away or make slits to allow for roots to develop into the new soil. For larger shrubs, build a water well. Finish by mulching and watering well.
If shrub is bare-root, look for a discoloration somewhere near the base; this mark is likely where the soil line was. If soil is too sandy or too clayey, add organic matter. This will help with both drainage and water holding capacity. Fill soil, firming just enough to support shrub. Finish by mulching and watering well.
Problems