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.

 

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.

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.

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.