Things Needed
Cardboard plant ( Zamia furfuracea ) , also known as cardboard laurel wreath , provide a year - round of drinks presentation of bold , tropical leafage and requires only minimal care once established . Although ordinarily referred to as a palm , the cardboard works is actually a cycad . The two share a alike leaf structure , but are different types of plants . composition board plant bring out farsighted , stiff , attractive frond that get through up to 3 foundation in duration and look a fiddling like composition board , hence the common name . Hardy in USDA zone 9 through 11 , the composition board plant can not survive cold temperatures . In cooler zones , gardeners typically grow the plant indoors .
Step 1
Plant composition board flora during mid - spring in a positioning that receives fond sun throughout the day . pick out a location with sandy , well - drain soil . infinite composition board plant 36 to 60 inches apart to accommodate the plant ’s full ranch when mature .
Step 2
Spread a 2 - to-3 in layer of organic mulch over the soil border the cardboard plant to improve moisture retention and isolate the root system . Allow at least 4 inches between the mulch and the works ’s crown to offer adequate air circulation .
Step 3
Water the composition board plant once every seven to 10 days , or whenever the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry to the touch . Decrease the absolute frequency of water to once every two weeks during winter , when the plant is not arise actively and needs less moisture .
Step 4
give the flora double per class , once during former springiness just as active ontogeny sum up and again in late fall , using a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 NPK plant food to speed up the industrial plant ’s typically sluggish growth . Check the maker ’s instructions for the right dose .
Step 5
Prune the cardboard plant once per class during late wintertime to better its health and coming into court . Use hedging limiter to remove any dead , diseased or damaged frond . Burn diseased growth at a distant localization to prevent spreading the illness to other nearby plants .
Tip
utilise barque or leaf mold to mulch cardboard works . In zones cool than 9 , grow composition board plant indoors as a houseplant . Provide well - debilitate potting soil , direct sunlight and watering about once every two calendar week . Place the plant out of doors during strong summer months , if hope , but bring it back indoors before the first frost to prevent moth-eaten damage . Permanent leaf damage hap at 28 degrees F. Cardboard plant make first-class beach plants , as they tolerate common salt and can acquire in almost pure sand if necessary . They ’re also happy get in scorching Lord’s Day , and the more sun they have , the more compact their growth becomes .
Warning
Cardboard works is toxic and should not be planted in a location well accessed by modest children or pets .
