ZZ plant is a typical member of the aroid family, the only plant in its genus. People began to use it as a room plant quite recently, from the beginning of the 90s, although it was described by botanists in the 30s of the last century. Now, "the Dollar Tree" can be frequently notices in one of the private houses, offices, restaurants, etc.
Its spectacular appearance is ensured by the unusual forme of the plant. Zamioculcas is devoid of stems. At home, zamioculcas rarely has a height of more than a meter. The average lifespan of a plant is 5 years. With good flower care, its age can be doubled.
The flower is very unpretentious in keeping and reproducing at home and even those who have never been particularly fond of floriculture can plant it. However, for its successful cultivation, some rules must be observed, based on the biology of the species and its natural adaptations.
Soil
The soil for this plant can be prepared both independently from equal parts of leafy, turfy land, peat and sand, or you can use a ready-made commercial substrate for growing succulents or cacti. The most important requirement for the soil for zamioculcas is looseness and good air permeability, combined with a neutral reaction. Also, be sure to arrange drainage, ¼ of the pot.
Lighting
For growing this plant, western or eastern windows are best suited. On the south side, it will need a shade, otherwise burns will appear on its leaves from direct sunlight.
Watering
Zamioculcas has the ability to accumulate moisture in the lower thick part of the petiole and its other parts.
At the same time, the zamioculcas will not die from drought. Watering should be sparse but abundant. The soil should dry out from watering to watering. It is the bay that is most often the cause of the death of the zamioculcas.
For watering, it is best to use soft, settled water at room temperature. In summer, you have to water often, but in the winter, when the flower is in a state of relative dormancy, it is reduced to 1 time per month.
Air humidity
The plant tolerates excessive dry air very well and therefore grows well in apartments with central heating.
Temperature
This flower belongs to heat-loving crops, therefore, for its cultivation, the temperature is considered optimal from 18 ° to 26 ° C (64-79 F). In winter, when the flower is in a state of relative dormancy, it needs a lower temperature of about 15 ° C (59 F). Zamioculcas loves fresh air, but it is better to remove it from direct drafts.
Repotting
Of the activities for the care of this tropical plant, transplantation and feeding should be distinguished. Young specimens of Zamioculcas are transplanted annually in the spring, older plants are transferred as needed or simply limited to changing the top layer of the soil. The planting depth in the new pot must be identical to the planting depth in the old one. Otherwise, when the growth point is deepened, it will rot. When choosing a pot for this plant, take into account the fact that Zamioculcas grows rather slowly, only a few new leaves grow in it per year. Therefore, the new pot should not be much larger in size than the previous one.
Attention! The planting depth in the new pot must be identical to the planting depth in the old one. Otherwise, when the growth point is deepened, it will rot.
Fertilizers
This plant is fed with fertilizer for decorative deciduous crops, you can also use fertilizer for succulents.
Hygiene procedures
Periodically, you need to carefully clean the leaves from dust accumulating on them using special brooms or under the shower.
Pests and diseases
Zamioculcas very rarely becomes infected with pests, but with improper or insufficient care it settles on it: spider mite, shield or aphid.
Useful tips:
- Adjust the watering regime of the plant as the soil dries out completely.
- Apply special fertilizers according to the instructions.
- Place the plant in a lighted area out of direct sunlight.
- Poor, well-drained, sand-rich, breathable soil.
- Place at room temperature.
- Strict correspondence between temperature, lighting, watering and feeding. If one of the factors is lacking, the rest are also reduced (for example, if there is a lack of light, watering, feeding and the temperature of the content are reduced), with an excess of one of the factors, others should be increased (for example, in the heat they provide more light, increase watering and feeding).
