Grijalva Zamia Plant Care
Zamia grijalvensis Pérez-Farr., Vovides & Mart.-Camilo
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Zamia grijalvensis is a species of cycad in the family Zamiaceae.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Grijalva Zamia?
Plant Grijalva Zamia in bright indirect light to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) 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.
What Is the Grijalva Zamia?
Grijalva Zamia (Zamia grijalvensis) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Zamia genus.
Grijalva 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. Grijalva Zamia produces cone-like structures that are not true flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Grijalva Zamia?
Water a young or newly planted Grijalva 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 Grijalva Zamia Need?
Grijalva Zamia thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Grijalva 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 Grijalva Zamia Prefer?
Zamia grijalvensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Grijalva 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 Grijalva Zamia?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Grijalva Zamia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Grijalva Zamia?
Feed Grijalva 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 Grijalva 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.
Grijalva Zamia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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 Grijalva Zamia?
Grijalva 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 Grijalva Zamia?
Prune Grijalva 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 Grijalva Zamia in Winter?
Grijalva Zamia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Grijalva Zamia?
Grijalva 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 Grijalva 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 Grijalva Zamia?
Grijalva 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 Grijalva Zamia Need?
Grijalva Zamia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Grijalva Zamia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Grijalva 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.
Grijalva 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 grijalvensis Pérez-Farr., Vovides & Mart.-Camilo, family Zamiaceae (first published in Nordic J. Bot. 30: 566 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Grijalva 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
