Zamioculcas, or it is also called the "dollar tree" - one of the most unusual indoor plants. The original shape of the leaves and some similarities with the money tree justifies its name. Another striking feature is the flowering of a dollar tree.
Zamioculcas: features of an exotic plant
The dollar tree (see photo in the article) is the most common name for the flower Zamioculcas in the people. The birthplace of this unpretentious plant is East Africa. It is difficult to imagine that this plant, known to many and very loved by flower growers, until recently was completely unknown. For the first time it was presented in 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 saturated green glossy leaves of small size on long branches. Plant height 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 the period of his life is short-lived - about 8-10 years. His close relatives are Dieffenbachia and Calla.
Today you can buy a dollar tree at any flower shop. It is very unpretentious and does not require special care, while it is relatively inexpensive.
Varieties of Zamioculcas
- Zamiokulkas zamielistny variety Zamicro 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 elegant. I must say that this variety is most often put out for sale, since even a small plant of 20 cm in height costs about five hundred rubles, and the higher it is, the more expensive it is.
- Zamioculcas variegate. The leaves of a plant of this variety have an uneven color, ranging from light green to dark green. Because of this, he is also called a variegator. The shape of the leaf blades is elongated. It is interesting and unusual for sprouts of this variety to plant. Initially, the sprout has only a pair of leaves and a tuber without roots. After planting the tuber in the ground, the roots appear after about a week. And after six months, the plant will release buds, which 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 recently bred and got its name “raven” due to the unusual black color of the leaves, which makes them seem fake or dyed.
Blooming dollar tree flower
Zamioculcas is very pleased with the flowering. However, without exception, flower growers look 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 foresaw this so that self-pollination would not occur.
If the plant in your home is comfortable, you will be able to observe the flowering of a dollar tree. How often it will bloom at home will depend on where the pot with the plant is located. If on the window of the northern side, then it will take a long time to wait for the appearance of the coveted cob - before the growth of zamioculcas. But if you place it on the south side, then the flowering of a dollar tree (photo presented in the material) will occur soon after planting.
Inflorescences at Zamioculcas are usually located near the ground, at the base of the plant. The first signs of the flowering of a dollar tree (pictured) can be easily seen: on the stem of one of the leaves grows a bright green arrow from a folded leaf. After a while, when the flower stalk is formed inside, the leaf will be bent in the manner of a hood. Flowering Zamioculcus usually lasts a week or two.
Dollar Tree: Home Care
The flowering of Zamioculcas is not its only feature. For example, a plant loves heat and can easily withstand the heat of thirty degrees. But at the same time it does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature and drafts. In the 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 wiping the leaves. In order to give the leaves a beautiful sheen, you can use special polishes.
Sunlight falling on zamioculcas must be diffused, as direct burns 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, then there is a risk of their fracture. Then the plant necessarily 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 do it yourself.
Transplant Rules
Do not transplant during the flowering period of a dollar tree. Leaving and watering is better to extend until it fades. The best time for replanting a plant is considered to be spring, and only young Zamioculcas is required to transplant annually, an adult needs to change the pot only as the old one becomes cramped.
Remember that the tubers of the root system of the dollar tree are very fragile, and therefore it should be transplanted very carefully, together with an earthen lump, by the method of transshipment. And for flowers that are too large and overgrown, it’s better not to disturb her at all, just periodically updating the top layer of the earth by five centimeters. Moreover, you must also clean the soil carefully, being careful not to damage the tubers. It is better to fill them up not completely, leaving about a centimeter on the surface.
Recommended contents of the pot: the fourth part - drainage, two quarters - light breathable earth, the fourth part - sand and fine expanded clay. You can purchase a special substrate milking succulents.
Methods of propagation of zamioculcas
Division of tubers. This is the easiest and most effective way. The lump of land with tubers pulled out for transplantation is carefully divided into two or more parts, being careful not to damage it. Then each sprout is planted in a separate pot. Such seedlings do not require special care, only infrequent watering. Young plants can be fed 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 kidney is cut off with a sharp blade. A fresh cut on a leaf handle 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 emergence of roots is a very long process and can take about a month. You can speed it up a little 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. Watering the stalk is not necessary, rare sprinkles are enough.
Caution Poison!
Inside the stems and leaves of Zamioculcus contains juice, which if burned on the skin can cause a burn. Since the plant is exotic, it can also cause severe allergic reactions, so you need to keep it away from children and pets, and only work with gloves on.
If you still get poisonous juice on your skin, immediately rinse this place under running water and lubricate with a healing cream, for example, containing panthenol. If juice gets into your eyes, rinse them with water and consult a specialist.
Signs and superstitions
The flowering of a dollar tree is so unusual that among the people it immediately overgrown with various signs. And the name of this plant should also talk about something.
Signs related to monetary wealth:
- In order for the dollar tree to bring financial prosperity, you need to talk with him and ask about it. And better on the new moon and on Tuesdays.
- A cent coin can be put on the pallet, and a cap made from a rolled up dollar can be put on the top of the cob flower.
- It is possible to water and spray zamioculcas with special cash water. Throw a couple of coins into the water tank for watering and let them lie there until the tank is empty.
- If you want to present or presented with a dollar tree as a gift, you need to exchange a coin in return. Then it will bring wealth.
Female happiness is another interesting name for this plant. Perhaps this is due to the characteristic elongated shape of the cob.
- In order for Zamioculcas to bring its owner happiness in his personal life, he must be gifted, not bought.
- To attract female happiness to the house, Zamioculcas must often bloom and be healthy. In no case should you throw away a sick flower, it is better to try to cure it.
Secrets of gardeners
- The flowering of a dollar tree can be observed much more often if you do not transplant the plant for a long time. In cramped conditions, it ceases to produce new leaves and only blooms.
- Zamioculcas can be watered with a decoction of onion husks. This is an excellent pesticide.
- If you try to transplant a plant in winter, it is quite capable of dropping leaves.
- If the flowering dollar tree has not been around for many years, perhaps he needs top dressing. Try adding succulents or cactus mixes to the ground.