How to prune thorny zamia

Any time of year when fronds fully die. Cut dead frond stalks cleanly at their base using loppers or secateurs. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves — the leaflet margins are genuinely sharp and can cause cuts.

Rarely — only to remove dead or physically damaged fronds. Thorny Zamia (Zamia muricata) needs very little pruning. Remove only fronds that have died completely, cutting them at the base of the stalk. The leaflets have sharply serrated or spiny margins (hence the common name) — wear heavy gloves. Do not remove green fronds to 'tidy' the plant; the underground caudex depends on living fronds for photosynthesis.

Cut dead frond stalks cleanly at their base using loppers or secateurs. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves — the leaflet margins are genuinely sharp and can cause cuts.