Lepidozamia Peroffskyana (Scaly Zamia)

• Native to the coastal rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, making it perfectly adapted to Australian conditions.
• Features a distinctive scaly trunk that can reach up to 7 meters tall in mature specimens, earning its common name.
• Produces separate male and female plants, with females developing large orange cones containing bright red seeds.
• Represents one of the most ancient plant families on Earth, virtually unchanged for millions of years.
• Prized by collectors for its architectural form and status as Australia's largest native cycad species.

• Water weekly during growing season, reducing to monthly in winter - check soil moisture before watering.
• Position in bright, filtered light protected from hot afternoon sun and strong winds.
• Plant in well-draining soil mixed with coarse sand and organic matter to prevent waterlogging.
• Feed with slow-release native plant fertiliser once in early spring - avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers.
• Remove only completely brown or damaged fronds, cutting close to the trunk with clean, sharp tools.
• Maintain humidity levels above 50% and protect from temperatures below 5°C.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature during extreme weather.

• Provide filtered light or dappled shade - direct sunlight can scorch the delicate fronds, especially during hot Australian summers.
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings - cycads are drought-tolerant once established.
• Maintain high humidity around the plant by misting regularly or placing on pebble trays filled with water.
• Protect from frost and cold winds as young plants are particularly sensitive to temperature extremes.
• Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring and avoid high-nitrogen feeds which can damage the roots.

• Scale insects can attach to fronds and trunk - treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide. Remove affected fronds if heavily infested.
• Root rot from overwatering causes yellowing fronds and soft roots - improve drainage immediately and reduce watering frequency.
• Fungal leaf spot appears as brown patches on fronds during humid conditions - ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Caterpillars may chew holes in new fronds - handpick or use biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis.