Burrawang Plant Care

Burrawang (Macrozamia elegans) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Macrozamia genus. Burrawang is native to New South Wales, Australia.

Burrawang displays a slow-growing cycad growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Burrawang produces cones with seeds, not typical flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Burrawang every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Burrawang thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Macrozamia elegans tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Burrawang prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Burrawang to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Burrawang every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Burrawang is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Burrawang can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Burrawang while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Burrawang is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Burrawang can be propagated through by seeds or division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to macrozamia cardiacensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Burrawang is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Burrawang grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Burrawang is native to New South Wales, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Burrawang as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.