
Photo: Ashwin SrinivasanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Narrowleaf Zamia Plant Care
Zamia angustifolia Jacq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily recognizable by its long, narrow, feathery leaves that give it an elegant and tropical appearance. Zamia angustifolia is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, making it a sought-after addition to any collection for its exotic origins and striking foliage. Plant enthusiasts are drawn to this species for its ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments, adding a touch of lush greenery to any space.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Narrowleaf Zamia?
Plant Narrowleaf Zamia in bright indirect light to partial shade (USDA zones 10a–11b) and water a young shrub every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Narrowleaf Zamia Native To?
What Is the Narrowleaf Zamia?
Narrowleaf Zamia (Zamia angustifolia) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Zamia genus. Narrowleaf Zamia is native to the Bahamas. Narrowleaf Zamia is also known as Pine Leaf Zamia.
Narrowleaf Zamia displays a slow-growing, cycad plant with a palm-like appearance growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Narrowleaf Zamia produces cone-like structures that are not true flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Narrowleaf Zamia?
Water a young or newly planted Narrowleaf 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Narrowleaf Zamia Need?
Narrowleaf Zamia thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Narrowleaf Zamia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Narrowleaf Zamia Prefer?
Zamia angustifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Narrowleaf Zamia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Narrowleaf Zamia?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Narrowleaf Zamia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Narrowleaf Zamia?
Feed Narrowleaf 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.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Narrowleaf Zamia?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Narrowleaf Zamia is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Narrowleaf Zamia?
Narrowleaf 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.
How Do You Prune a Narrowleaf Zamia?
Prune Narrowleaf 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.
How Do You Care for a Narrowleaf Zamia in Winter?
Narrowleaf Zamia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Narrowleaf Zamia?
Narrowleaf Zamia can be propagated through by division of offsets or from seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pineapple plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Narrowleaf Zamia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Narrowleaf Zamia?
Narrowleaf Zamia is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Narrowleaf Zamia Need?
Narrowleaf Zamia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Narrowleaf Zamia is native to the Bahamas. In cooler regions, grow Narrowleaf Zamia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Narrowleaf Zamia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Zamia genus — compare its care with other Zamia species on PlantoScan.
Zamia is part of the Zamiaceae plant family — browse all Zamiaceae genera and species.
Narrowleaf Zamia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Zamia Species
Other Zamia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Zamia angustifolia Jacq., family Zamiaceae (first published in Collectanea 3: 263 (1791)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Narrowleaf Zamia is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ashwin Srinivasan, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
