Ceratozamia sanchezae is known from two populations in the Chiapan highlands, Mexico. Plants grow on hilltops under closed canopy. The rare Tillandsia eitzii was seen as a companion plant while visiting the populaiton near Chana. This was thought to be a robusta type because of the Chiapas location and the brown emergent leaves. Generally sanchezae is smaller than robusta and does not have the upright habit.