Pruning guide
How to prune cardboard palm
Best time
Year-round, only when fronds are completely dead
How often
Rarely — only when a frond is fully dead
Technique
Cut dead frond stalks flush with the trunk using sharp pruners or a hand saw. Wear gloves — the base can be sharp.
More cardboard palm care
Pruning cardboard palm — FAQ
When should I prune cardboard palm?
Year-round, only when fronds are completely dead. Cut dead frond stalks flush with the trunk using sharp pruners or a hand saw. Wear gloves — the base can be sharp.
How often does cardboard palm need pruning?
Rarely — only when a frond is fully dead. Cardboard palm (a cycad, not a true palm) rarely needs pruning. Remove individual fronds only when they are fully brown and dead, cutting the stalk cleanly at the base of the trunk. Never remove green fronds — cycads grow extremely slowly and removing healthy leaves sets the plant back significantly.
How do you prune cardboard palm?
Cut dead frond stalks flush with the trunk using sharp pruners or a hand saw. Wear gloves — the base can be sharp.