How to prune dwarf cardboard palm

After new flushes harden, typically spring to early summer. Cut dead fronds cleanly at the base with clean, sharp bypass pruners. Sanitize blades to prevent disease transmission. Wear gloves as frond edges can be rough.

As needed, usually once a year or less. Dwarf Cardboard Palm (Zamia vazquezii) needs only minimal tidying. Remove dead or brown fronds at the petiole base after new growth has hardened. This is a very slow-growing, compact cycad — there is rarely much to prune. Do not cut healthy fronds in an attempt to shape it; you cannot stimulate branching or density this way.

Cut dead fronds cleanly at the base with clean, sharp bypass pruners. Sanitize blades to prevent disease transmission. Wear gloves as frond edges can be rough.