Reproduction of zamioculcas at home, rules of care and transplantation

Zamiokulkas tropical green plant is known as dollar tree. It was originally grown in greenhouses. But thanks to amateur growers and breeders, an exotic and unpretentious bush appeared in offices and apartments. The surest way to get rich is to secretly pick a leaf at a party and plant it at home. The omen is justified, because the easiest way to reproduce zamiokulkas at home is cuttings.

Description and characteristics of the plant

The Latin name for the plant is zamioculcas zamiifolia, which means "zamioculcas zamiilistny". The bush comes from Africa, but resembles the South American zamie.They are linked by the symmetrical arrangement of leaves and poisonous sap.

Zamioculcas is an evergreen herb from the aroid family with an unusual structure:

• trunk - in the form of a tuber, located underground;
• rakhis - the rigid base of the leaves;
• leaves - consist of small pointed leaves-feathers, arranged in pairs.

The aerial part of the plant reaches a meter in height. The zamioculcas is a succulent which accumulates humidity in the rachis and the tuberous trunk. In drought, the bush loses its feathery leaves and uses the accumulated supply of water. With an increase in soil moisture, the plant regains its green cover. The indoor dollar tree is the result of selection work. The plant grows up to sixty centimeters in height and is distinguished by smaller feathery leaves.

Varieties

In nature, there are several succulents, united under the general name of zamioculcas.

Plume

The variety is distinguished by pointed white-green leaves.

Variegated zamioculcas grows in Madagascar and is considered a rarity in northern latitudes.

Lanceolate

The elongated lanceolate leaves of the plant shine with shine.

The miniature lanceolate zamioculcas is more compact. Its height is 60 centimeters.

Zamielistny

The native land of the species is the east of the African continent.

The leaves of the zamielistny zamiokulkas shine like plastic leaves, so it is easy to confuse them with an artificial flower.

motley

The variety is distinguished by more elongated yellow-green leaves.

Variegated-leaved zamioculcas are more sensitive to cold, waterlogged soils.

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Dark purple

The light green color of the leaves of the plant changes with age to dark purple.

The purple zamioculcas is the lowest of all natural species.

Bovine

The variety with the largest tuber trunk.

The cultivation of Zamioculcas Boivin is recommended for novice growers.

How to properly care for a flower in an apartment

The comfort of an African succulent in an apartment depends on the frequency of watering, lighting and air humidity.

Choice and location of the pot

The ideal place for a plant in terms of heat/light ratio is the western and eastern window sill.

Choose a pot slightly larger than the root size. Different materials have their own advantages.

Clay

Succulents growing in clay pots are less likely to rot, but are more difficult to remove for repotting.Ceramic containers are suitable for mature zamioculcas, which are rarely transplanted.

Plastic

The plastic pot can be opened and the flower removed without damaging the roots. Plastic containers are suitable for young succulents that will be transplanted in the future.

Temperature and lighting

Zamioculcas requires partial shade. Direct sunlight burns and softens the leaves, and in the shade they shrink. The bush actively grows and blooms in the summer at a temperature of +30 degrees and above.

air humidity

The plant thrives on normal and high humidity combined with high temperatures. In dry air, the tips of the leaves dry out.

Ground requirements

For normal root respiration and leaf growth, zamioculcas need light soil with an acidity of pH 6, which passes moisture and oxygen. The potting mix should consist of equal parts peat, sand, grass and soil. Vermiculite is added to regulate humidity. The mica mineral absorbs excess moisture and releases it after the soil dries.

Watering and spraying mode

The plant is watered after the topsoil dries. The earth is moistened every 2-3 days. If the soil doesn't seem dry enough, it's best to postpone watering for a day. Roots rot in waterlogged soil.

Features of content in winter

In winter, the succulent needs coolness at a temperature of + 15-18 degrees and rare watering 1-2 times a month. The plant reduces activity, so it does not need additional nutrition.

Top dressing and fertilization

Zamioculcas are fed with mineral and organic fertilizers every two weeks. A liquid mixture for cacti and succulents is suitable for feeding. Half the dose indicated in the instructions is sufficient for the African bush.Additionally, a succulent is fertilized with an infusion of cow dung or chicken droppings.

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Departure during flowering

The flower with a white stem resembles cauliflower and is not very beautiful. Old zamioculcas bloom at the end of their life. Therefore, no special care is required during this period.

Fix basic growth issues

Florists are often puzzled by yellowing leaves. But there are also other problems caused by improper care.

does not bloom

The absence of flowers on a young zamioculcas is normal. Flowering can be expected in the fifth year of the plant's life. If the succulent does not flower, it is not yet ready to end its life cycle or there are discrepancies in the conditions of detention.

yellowing of leaves

The reasons for the appearance of yellowness and dry ends:

• dry air in the room;
• waterlogged soil;
• temperature changes.

The plant should be taken out of the air-conditioned room onto the balcony, away from the path of the fan. If, when watering every 3 days, the leaves turn yellow, the zamioculcas should be watered once a week.

Falling foliage

The upper leaves dry up and fall off due to lack of water. You need to check the condition of the soil and moisten it more often. Lower leaf drop is natural for mature plants.

Brown spots and streaks

Reasons for leaf color change:

• overflow;
• cold and high humidity.

The plant should be rearranged in a warm, dry place, check the watering regime. If the top layer does not dry out, water less often.

Loss of color and curling of leaves

Zamioculcas turns yellow from lack of light. The plant should be rearranged in a sunny place, additionally turn on an ultraviolet lamp.

Root and stem rot

Overflow will damage the rod. Too much water accumulates in the tuber and begins to rot. The plant will be saved by transplanting into dry soil.

Diseases and pests

Zamioculcas is pest resistant. But with high soil humidity, the plant is affected by the following insects:

• scale - the leaves are covered on the reverse side with brown dots-shells. Pests are cleaned, the plant is wiped with laundry soap foam, calendula tincture or alcohol. After 20 minutes, the wipe is washed off in the shower. The dried plant is treated with Aktellik or Fitoverm insecticide and wrapped in polyethylene, and after 2 hours it is washed again. Insecticide treatment is carried out 3 times with an interval of 7 days;
• spider mite - leaves sticky threads and white spots. Wrap with soapy foam, ultraviolet rays are used against pests. In case of severe damage, the plant is treated with Fitoverm or Aktofit;
• aphid - covers the underside of the leaves, they curl up and dry out. Insects are removed by hand, the plant is treated with an infusion of tobacco, garlic, wormwood. Effective insecticides - Aktara, Karbofos, Akarin.

The main disease of zamioculcas is rot. The stem of the tuber and the base of the rachis soften and darken. The leaves break off, become covered with a fluffy gray cover with black dots. At the initial stage, the disease will be overcome by spraying once every two weeks with Topaz, Skor, Fundazol. Fungicides are also added to irrigation water.

A plant with advanced rot will require surgery:

• damaged parts should be cut from the stem of the tuber;
• sprinkle with ash or crushed activated carbon;
• place the plant in a 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid, copper sulfate or Kuprozan.

Trimmed zamioculcas are planted in new dry soil and a pot.

Transplant Features

Young zamioculcas develop roots, so they are transplanted once a year into a larger pot. For old plants, it is enough to change the soil every 3-5 years. The right time to transplant a bush is spring.

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A drainage pebble is placed at the bottom of the pot. The top of the stem of the tuber is left on the surface so that the plant takes root better. Transplanted bushes are fertilized after 2 weeks.

Breeding methods

For transplanting and rooting seedlings, a mixture of peat, sand and perlite is used, as well as universal soil or soil for succulents with the addition of vermiculite. The seedlings form roots in three months. Before this period, the plants cannot be dug up and loosened.

Tuber Division

Zamioculcas is divided during transplantation. It is time for the plant to change soil if the roots are visible on the surface, and the dried leaves on the stems. The bush is divided into several parts with growth buds, separating them with a sterile knife. To sterilize the instrument, wipe it with alcohol.

Slices are sprinkled with activated carbon or ashes. Transplanted zamiokulkas are not watered, but only sprayed to the ground after 3 days.

Cuttings

Mature branches are cut into cuttings. The fibers of young shoots are poor in nutrients. Individual parts lack the incentive to grow.

How to prepare cuttings for planting:

• the branch of the zamiokulkas is cut into pieces with two leaves on the sides;
• let the slices dry for one hour;
• stored in rooting solution.

After planting, the cuttings are also not watered, but after 3 days they spray the soil. Zamioculcas takes root quickly without a microclimate. But when the ambient temperature is unstable, it is better to cover the cuttings with glass jars.

Using a feather sheet

The leaves are planted in the ground and hidden under glass or plastic bags. The soil is moistened after 2 days, then the seedlings are opened once a day for ventilation.

Seeds

The plants give flowers of different sexes. To propagate zamioculcas by seeds, they are artificially pollinated - they transfer pollen with a brush. With the appearance of the ovary, the flower is not watered.

How to plant seeds:

• the open box is cut and dried for two days;
• the seeds are shaken by tapping on the achene and planted in a mixture of sand and vermiculite.

When growing seedlings, it is important to maintain a constant temperature and humidity. Plants are ready for transplanting into separate pots after three strong leaves appear.

Common Mistakes

Disadvantages of care and transplantation:

• abundant watering - the roots rot and the leaves dry up;
• large pot - the root system grows, not a bush, the earth does not dry out;
• root damage - you need to untangle, not rip.

The stem of the tuber should be planted slightly above ground level for better oxygen supply.

Tips and tricks from experienced florists

Features of care that are useful to know for successful cultivation of zamiokulkas:

• choose a pot with drainage holes so that excess water drains;
• adding expanded clay will help loosen dense soil;
• transplant with an old clod of earth;
• transplant, divide the bush and cut the cuttings with gloves, as the juice irritates the skin and mucous membranes.

To plant parts of the flower, the roots are freed from the earth. But it is undesirable to rinse them, as they will absorb a lot of moisture. After washing, the bush is planted only in dry soil and watered after 2 weeks.

The main rule for caring for zamiokulkas is not to water them every day according to the schedule, but to monitor the dryness of the soil. This exotic plant won't go away if you forget to water it for a few days.