Zamioculcas - Care, Transplantation And Reproduction

2024 Author: Sebastian Paterson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:47

Zamioculcas (Zamioculcas), transplant, reproduction and cultivation on the windowsill

Zamioculcas zamiifolia got its name for its external resemblance to Zamia - a rare gymnospermous plant. Zamioculcas belongs to the aroid family and is a close relative of monstera, dieffenbachia, calla lilies, etc. It was first discovered around the 1830s on the sun-scorched mountain plateaus in East Africa, and it also occurs on the island of Madagascar. Zamiokulkas came to flower shops in Europe relatively recently, 10-15 years ago, and is still a rare and expensive plant.

His appearance is somewhat unusual. The trunk of zamiokulkas is in the soil in the form of a large tuber with moisture reserves, and 4-6 feathery leaves rise above the ground. The leaf petioles in the lower part are highly developed and swollen, and they are often mistaken for trunks. The feathery leaves are closely spaced on a short horizontal stem, giving the impression of a rosette. They reach 80-100 cm in length and are covered with dense dark green glossy leaf blades.

The climate of its native places has turned zamioculcas into a succulent, where it grows next to euphorbia in the scorching sun and drought. The waxy coating on the leaves avoids burns and excessive moisture evaporation. Zamioculcas grows very slowly, and new leaves rarely appear. It blooms, like all aroids, with inflorescences, consisting of an ear and a veil, which appear at the very base of the leaves at a very old age of the plant.

Conditions of detention. Zamioculcas is very unpretentious to the conditions of detention: he does not care about drought, dry air, poor lighting, pests, etc. It is just perfect as a houseplant. You can place it on a window of any orientation, but it is still better where there is enough light.

The temperature in the room does not play a special role, but it is desirable that it is not too cold. The optimum temperature is from 16 to 25 ° C.

Like any real succulent, you need to water zamioculcas abundantly, but only after the soil has completely dried out. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum. You do not need to spray the plant. But periodically it is necessary to wipe the leaves with a soft cloth. This must be done carefully - they are very fragile. During the active growing season, it can occasionally be fed with mineral or organic fertilizers: in spring and summer, once every 3-4 weeks, in winter with a warm content - once every 5-6 weeks. Ready-made fertilizers for cacti and succulents are suitable for feeding.

Transplant and reproduction. The soil for zamiokulkas must be loose and permeable. It can be composed of equal parts of fertile land, peat and coarse sand. The pot must have a drain and a drainage hole. Zamioculcas responds well to annual handling in a larger pot. The soil surface can be covered with gravel or expanded clay.

Since the plants grow slowly due to the small root system, young specimens should be transplanted no more than once a year, slightly increasing the volume of the pot, and adults should not be more often than once every five years.

Zamioculcas easily propagates vegetatively. Most often, the lower leaf blades from mature mature leaves are used for this. Fresh sections are treated with activated carbon powder and dried for 2-3 days. Then it is buried about 1.5 cm in dry sand, which never needs to be moistened! After about six months, root tubers develop at the bottom of the leaves. Only then are the leaves carefully transplanted into the soil and watered very carefully until the first true leaf appears.

You can divide an old large plant so that each new copy has one growth point.

With improper care, the leaves fall sharply. In addition, in older plants, the lower leaves also fall off, regardless of care.

Zamioculcas can be damaged by aphids and spider mites. But this only happens with a gross violation of the elementary rules of content.

Attention! All parts of this plant contain a very poisonous juice! Therefore, care must be taken when caring for it.