Coontie palm Plant Care

Coontie palm (Zamia obliqua) belongs to the Zamiaceae family within the Zamia genus. Coontie palm is native to Colombia and Panama. Coontie palm is also known as Arrowroot plant.

Coontie palm 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. Coontie palm produces cone-like structures that are not true flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coontie palm 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.

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

Zamia obliqua tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Coontie palm 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 Coontie palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coontie palm 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.

Coontie palm 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.

Coontie palm 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 Coontie palm 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.

Coontie palm 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.

Coontie palm 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.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Coontie palm 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.

Coontie palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Coontie palm is native to Colombia and Panama. In cooler regions, grow Coontie palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.