Zamioculcas Information & tips - Plant Guide
- Needs little water
- Likes to be in the shade
- Lightly air-purifying
- Nutrition every month (summer)
- Slightly toxic for animals
- Repot every three year
Intro
The Zamioculcas belongs to the family Araceae, the arum-like. In 1996 the plant became increasingly popular in the Dutch living rooms. The Zamioculcas is a plant that is easy to care for. This is because the thick stems store moisture and nutrients and therefore have a very good stamina.
Location
The Zamioculcas has no great requirements when it comes to light or humidity. The plant should not be placed directly in the sun. Make sure you gradually move the plant closer to the window and turn the plant regularly so that the plant grows evenly. If you place the plant directly in the sun, the plant will grow faster but can also produce yellow leaves. If the plant grows too fast or gets yellow leaves, it is advisable to put the plant in the shade for a while.
Zamioculcas care: temperature
The Zamioculcas is a very easy to care for plant as it thrives in lower and higher temperatures. It is advisable to maintain a minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius during the day and a minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius at night.
Pruning
The yellow leaves are best removed. This also ensures that the ornamental value is maintained and saves the plant energy. The yellow leaves can also indicate that you give the plant too much water, check this by giving less water for a while when there are many yellow leaves. These leaves can easily be cut off close to the stem. Wash your hands after pruning, because the plant is still slightly poisonous.
Repotting
It is possible to repot the plant immediately upon purchase. Do this in the spring, so that the plant still has enough time to recover from any damage. It is advisable to take a pot that is at least 20% wider than the growing pot. After about 3 years, repot the plant again in the spring. Use normal potting soil and it is not recommended to use hydro grains for filling. The hydro grains can cause it to rot.
Nutrition
Extra feeding in spring and summer is important for the Zamioculcas, as it is a fast growing plant. This is especially true when the plant is in the light. Then feed once every 2 weeks and when the plant is in the shade this can be reduced to once a month as the plant will grow less quickly. Never feed more than the indicated dosage, this can cause burning of the roots.
Watering
The Zamioculcas does not need much water. The plant has excellent stamina and therefore does not mind being dry once. The soil can even be dry for 3 to 4 weeks. So give more water less than too much, because that will cause yellow leaves. In winter, the plant can easily survive 6 to 7 weeks without water.
Origin
Arondskelidae. It is a perennial with pinnate leaves that grow to 40 to 60 cm long. The leaves on the thick stems are smooth, shiny and dark green. The plant can bloom, but rarely does so indoors, only when strongly neglected. The arum-like flowers grow from the base of the plant.
The meaning of the name is difficult to trace. Culcas is an old name for a different genus Colocasia. The species zamiifolia has leaves that resemble the Zamia ferns, the name is a contraction of those two. It is also called the ZZ plant, as an abbreviation of the scientific name. Because the plant has only been part of the houseplant assortment since 1996, there is no specific symbolism associated with it. However, given its indestructibility, keywords such as 'strength', 'survivor' and 'go-getter' are very appropriate.
Diseases
The Zamioculcas is fortunately not very susceptible to diseases and pests as the plant has a strong resistance. If the plant does suffer from it, it can be sprayed hard to remove it easily. The plant can have this hard spray. Does it still not work? Then it is advisable to buy biological or if desired chemical pesticides.
Blossom
If the Zamioculcas is cared for in excellent shape, it is possible that the plant will get flowers. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in the living room, because the ideal conditions are still difficult to achieve. On top of this, it is also advisable to remove the flowers if they are going to flower anyway. The reason for this is that it takes the plant far too much energy to maintain these flowers.