Zamioculcas, or it is also called the "dollar tree" - one of the most unusual indoor plants. The original shape of the leaves and some similarity with the money tree fully justifies its name. Another striking feature is the flowering of the dollar tree.
Zamioculcas: features of an exotic plant
Dollar tree (see photo in the article) is the most common name for the Zamioculcas flower among the people. The birthplace of this unpretentious plant is East Africa. It is difficult to imagine that this plant, known to many and very fond of flower growers, was completely unknown until recently. It was first presented to the public only in 1996 in Holland, and then spread everywhere.
Zamioculcas grows in the form of a bush, it has small plump stems and many rich green glossy leaves of small size on long branches. The height of the plant can reach a meter. The root system is in the form of tubers, visible on the surface of the earth. Zamioculcas is a perennial, but its life span is short - about 8-10 years. Its closest relatives are dieffenbachia and calla.
Today you can buy a dollar tree in any flower shop. It is very unpretentious and does not require special care, while being relatively inexpensive.
Zamioculcas varieties
- Zamioculcas zamyelist variety Zamicro was bred in 2007. It differs primarily in height: an adult plant grows no more than half a meter. The leaves are also smaller and more graceful. I must say that this variety is most often bred for sale, since even a small plant 20 cm tall costs about five hundred rubles, and the higher it is, the more expensive it is.
- Zamioculcas variegated. The leaves of a plant of this variety have an uneven color, ranging from light green to dark green. Because of this, it is also called the variegated leaf. The shape of the leaf blades is elongated. It is interesting and unusual for the sprouts of this variety to plant. Initially, the sprout has only a couple of leaves and a tuber without roots. After planting the tuber in the ground, the roots appear in about a week. And after six months, the plant will release buds, which will later grow into long branches.
- Zamioculcas zamifolia. The most popular variety among flower growers, and it was he who was nicknamed the "dollar tree". It is believed that this plant brings financial luck to its owner.
- Zamioculcas Raven. This variety was bred quite recently and got its name "raven" due to the unusual black color.leaves, making them look fake or dyed.
Flowering flower "dollar tree"
Pleases with the flowering of zamiokulkas very rarely. However, without exception, flower growers are looking forward to this event. The thing is that the flowers of the plant resemble an ear with male and female inflorescences, and sterile flowers are located between them. Nature provided for this so that self-pollination does not occur.
If the plant in your house is comfortable, you will be able to observe the flowering of the dollar tree. How often it will bloom at home will depend on where the plant pot is located. If on the window of the north side, then it will take a long time to wait for the appearance of the coveted cob - until the zamiokulkas grows up. But if you place it on the south side, then the flowering of the dollar tree (the photo is presented in the material) will occur shortly after planting.
Zamioculcas inflorescences are usually located close to the ground, at the base of the plant. The first signs of flowering of the dollar tree (pictured) can be easily seen: a bright green arrow from a folded leaf grows on the stem of one of the leaves. After a while, when a peduncle forms inside, the leaf will bend in the manner of a hood. Zamioculcas bloom usually lasts a week or two.
Dollar tree: home care
Zamioculcas bloom is not its only feature. For example, a plant loves warmth and can easily withstand heat inthirty degrees. But at the same time, it does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature and drafts. In summer, a flower pot can be taken outside, he will be comfortable there.
Watering the plant too often is not worth it, because it does not like strong humidity. Enough weekly spraying with warm, settled water and rubbing the leaves. In order to give the leaves a beautiful shine, you can use special polishes.
Sunlight falling on zamiokulkas must be diffused, as direct rays can cause burns on the leaves. Adult tall specimens are best placed not on the window, but near it.
If your plant has very long and heavy leaves, there is a risk of breaking them. Then the plant definitely needs support. A special ring made of thick wire or wooden slats can serve her. Such a device can be purchased at specialized plant care stores, or you can make it yourself.
Transfer Rules
Don't transplant during the flowering period of the dollar tree. It is better to extend care and watering until it fades. Spring is considered the best time to transplant a plant, and only a young zamiokulkas needs to be transplanted annually, an adult only needs to change the pot as the old one becomes cramped.
Remember that the tubers of the dollar tree root system are very fragile, so it should be transplanted very carefully,together with an earthen clod, according to the transshipment method. And for too large and overgrown flowers, it is better not to disturb it at all, simply periodically updating the top layer of the earth by five centimeters. Moreover, it is also necessary to clean the earth carefully, trying not to damage the tubers. It is better not to fill them completely, leaving about a centimeter on the surface.
Recommended contents of the pot: the fourth part is drainage, two quarters is light breathable earth, the fourth part is sand and fine expanded clay. You can purchase a special substrate for milking succulents.
Zamioculcas breeding methods
Division of tubers. This is the easiest and most efficient way. A clod of earth with tubers pulled out for transplantation is carefully divided into two or more parts, trying not to damage it. Then each sprout is planted in a separate pot. Such seedlings do not require special care, only infrequent watering. You can feed young plants only after the appearance of new leaves.
Propagation by cuttings. A method that requires patience. At the base of the flower, a leaf with a bud is cut off with a sharp blade. A fresh cut on a leaf cutting is sprinkled with activated charcoal and dried for several hours. Then it should be planted in the ground and put in a warm place away from the sun. The appearance of roots is a very long process and can take about a month. You can speed it up a bit by covering the sprout with cling film to create a greenhouse effect. However, then you should regularly arrange ventilation so that the earth does not rot. It is not necessary to water the stalk, quite rarespraying.
Beware of poison
Inside the stems and leaves of Zamioculcas contains juice, which, if it comes into contact with the skin, can cause a burn. Since the plant is exotic, it can also cause severe allergic reactions, so keep it away from children and pets, and only work with gloves.
If poisonous juice does get on your skin, immediately rinse this place under running water and lubricate it with a healing cream, for example, containing panthenol. If the juice gets into your eyes, rinse them with water and consult a specialist.
Signs and superstitions
The flowering of the dollar tree is such an unusual phenomenon that among the people it immediately acquired various signs. And the very name of this plant should also say something.
Signs related to we alth:
- For a dollar tree to bring financial well-being, you need to talk to it and ask for it. And better on the new moon and on Tuesdays.
- You can put a cent coin in the tray, and put a cap of a rolled dollar on the top of the cob flower.
- You can water and spray Zamiokulkas with special monetary water. Throw a couple of coins into a container of water for watering and let them sit there until the container is empty.
- If you want to give or have been presented with a dollar tree as a gift, you need to exchange a coin in return. Then it will bring we alth.
Women's happiness is another interesting name for this plant. Perhaps itassociated with the characteristic elongated shape of the cob flower.
- In order for Zamioculcas to bring happiness to its owner in her personal life, it must be a gift, not a purchase.
- To attract female happiness to the house, Zamioculcas should often bloom and be he althy. In no case should you throw away a sick flower, it is better to try to cure it.
Secrets of flower growers
- The flowering of the dollar tree can be observed much more often if the plant is not transplanted for a long time. In cramped conditions, it stops releasing new leaves and only blooms.
- Zamiokulkas can be watered with a decoction of onion peel. This is an excellent pest control.
- If you try to transplant the plant in winter, it is quite capable of shedding leaves.
- If the dollar tree has not bloomed for many years, it may need to be fed. Try adding succulent or cactus mixes to the soil.
