Varieties
Zamia Integrifolia (Coontie Palm)
Origin
Native to Florida and the Caribbean
General Care
Light
Bright, indirect to direct sun. Thrives in strong light.
Temperature
18–30°C (spring–fall). Give a rest at 10-15°C (winter), but maintain bright light condition. Protect from cold drafts.
Humidity
Low to average. Well-suited to dry air.
Water
Spring–fall: every 1–2 weeks, water thoroughly and let mix dry fully.
Winter: every 1–2 weeks, water sparingly and allow barely moist potting mix to dry completely. Sensitive to overwatering, and susceptible to caudex rot. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Monthly (spring–summer). Use diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer, according to packaging instructions. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, dust foliage and caudex with a soft, dry paintbrush/shaving brush and inspect for pests, when doing so. Remove old fronds as they yellow.
Potting and Repotting
Free-draining cactus/succulent mix. Choose a shallow, wide container to accommodate its caudex. Every 3–4 years (spring) move into a planter 1-2" larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Naturally slow grower; patience is required.
- Evergreen fronds can persist for 1–3 years.
- Deciduous in some conditions: frond loss in winter may be normal.
- Caudex health is critical: wrinkling = thirsty; softening or blackening = rot.
- Pests: mealybugs and scale often hide in bark crevices — inspect regularly.