Virgin Islands arrowroot Plant Care

Virgin Islands arrowroot (Zamia nesophila) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Zamia genus. Virgin Islands arrowroot is native to several islands in northwestern Panama. Virgin Islands arrowroot is also known as Virgin Islands cycad.

Virgin Islands arrowroot 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. Virgin Islands arrowroot produces cone-like structures that are not true flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Virgin Islands arrowroot 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.

Virgin Islands arrowroot thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Virgin Islands arrowroot in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Zamia nesophila tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Virgin Islands arrowroot prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Virgin Islands arrowroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Virgin Islands arrowroot 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 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.

Virgin Islands arrowroot is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Virgin Islands arrowroot 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 Virgin Islands arrowroot 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.

Virgin Islands arrowroot 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.

Virgin Islands arrowroot 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.

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Virgin Islands arrowroot 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.

Virgin Islands arrowroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Virgin Islands arrowroot is native to several islands in northwestern Panama. In cooler regions, grow Virgin Islands arrowroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.