Flat-leaf Zamia Plant Care

Flat-leaf Zamia (Macrozamia platyrhachis) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Macrozamia genus. Flat-leaf Zamia is native to Australia. Flat-leaf Zamia is also known as Flat-leaf Cycad.

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

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Flat-leaf Zamia 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.

Flat-leaf Zamia thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Macrozamia platyrhachis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Flat-leaf Zamia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Flat-leaf Zamia 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.

Flat-leaf Zamia 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.

Flat-leaf Zamia 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 Flat-leaf Zamia 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.

Flat-leaf Zamia 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.

Flat-leaf Zamia 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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Flat-leaf Zamia 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.

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