Ceratozamia latifolia--please flush

[Foggy Paul]

Our C. latifolia is a beautiful plant especially when sending out its copper red flush, which lasts for weeks. But it hasn't done so in a couple of years. It did cone last year, which was interesting, but I'd prefer a flush. Now it's coning again! Is there anything I can do to encourage it to flush? I have been feeding with Palmgain occasionally. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Tracy]

19 hours ago, Foggy Paul said:

Our C. latifolia is a beautiful plant especially when sending out its copper red flush, which lasts for weeks. But it hasn't done so in a couple of years. It did cone last year, which was interesting, but I'd prefer a flush. Now it's coning again! Is there anything I can do to encourage it to flush? I have been feeding with Palmgain occasionally. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

As frustrating as it is, I know of no solution to your plant's behavior.   I have a couple of Zamia and Ceratozamia that do this same thing.  One of the Ceratozamia is a latifolia ironically.  The Zamia species involved are angustifolia and standlyi.   Patience is my only tip.

[GeneAZ]

When that cone emerges, cut the peduncle and snap it off so the energy doesn't go into that cone.  Sometimes I'll get a a flush same season.  Also, the phosphorous element in your fertilizer might be high and causing cones and no leaves.

[Foggy Paul]

33 minutes ago, GeneAZ said:

When that cone emerges, cut the peduncle and snap it off so the energy doesn't go into that cone.  Sometimes I'll get a a flush same season.  Also, the phosphorous element in your fertilizer might be high and causing cones and no leaves.

That's a good idea, thanks @GeneAZ. Palmgain is 8-2-12 so I don't think that's it.