I have repeatedly tried to overwinter the same species in my UNDER-heated garage. And while I have had repeated successes with Dioon, Cycas revoluta, and a species of Encephalartos, I have had repeated failures with Z. furfuracea. Mine went into decline despite the lack of real frost (just sustained very chilly temperatures). I overwinter mine in the basement now under artificial light. I would leave the leaves on it though. Good luck with it.

nj -

Glad I am not alone (but sorry for your misfortune!) on this plant. Assuming I do not lose it, I will know for next winter.

Tom

That is not necessarily cold damage. If it were, it should be evident on all the leaves not only the lower ones.

It could also be that the plant is recycling existing nutrients and in the process older leaves are sacrificed.

I have seen this happen on plants that may be too small to withstand an extended dormant period, or if there is too long of a dormant period where the plant is not given an opportunity to avail itself of nutrients in the soil.

A cycad caudex typically has a great capacity for storage of water and starch. A leafless plant can be maintained that way for a very long time. However, leaf support requires more than just sugar and water. Nutrients are needed for homeostasis.

Zamias are more "tropical" than other cycad genera and so maybe are not as well equipped physiologically to cope with a long, cold, dry period. Encephalartos species on the other hand don't even blink in the same scenario.

Now that it is in a warmer and sunnier spot, feed and water the way you normally would, and soon enough new leaves will grow and replace the old ones. Do not cut off anything that still has green in it.

x

Except for aesthetics sake I would not hesitate to cut any or all Zamia furfuracea leaves at any time in its existence, though to cut off a full head of green, happy leaves in summer when it's getting a lot of sun would be a shame... but I have never seen this hurt the plant. I often give mine a brutal 'hair cut' if it's getting too leafy and I have not had a problem with doing so... I would be more apt to do if it were cold, too, as it sounds like when it's cold your plant is getting no sun shine at all and the leaves are only 'dead weight' in terms of energy for the plant... It might even make the plant fare better over a dark, dry period. If you plan to overwinter your plant like that again, I would hack of all its leaves next time and have it remain leafless over the winter.

...love seeing all my C and S friends on the P and C forum... I think there is a common affection for both in a lot of people, no?

Well, I'm going leafless...sitting her under a nice warm spot where the sun is starting to mix in with with my HIDs (yes, the sun is starting to sneak back into my sunroom!)...and waiting for spring to bounce her back.

Thanks, all.

T