An exotic name haunts many homes and often you have the plant at home and don't even know what it's called. We're talking about the Zamioculcas.
The problem with the Zamioculcas is that it does not yet have a German name, but is only known by its botanical name, which is difficult to remember. But that's just by the way. The most important thing about this great houseplant is that everyone can have it. Someone who knows about plants, someone who doesn't have a particularly green thumb, and also someone who is rarely at home. Because this flower is very undemanding. It needs little water, no fertilizer and feels very comfortable with a lot or little light. You will hardly find any pests on this plant.
Originally, the Zamioculcas comes from East Africa, but she also feels right at home in our apartments. It is evergreen and also flowers, but only when it is a few years old. With good care, this plant can even grow up to 1.50 meters tall. Otherwise, the Zamioculcas will be 40 to 60 centimeters tall.
Location & substrate for the Zamioculcas
The brighter the location of the Zamioculcas, the faster it will grow into a large plant. The lighter the plant is, the lighter the leaves will be. If you place the plant in a dark place, the leaves will darken accordingly. The plant basically feels good everywhere.
The Zamioculcas is also not particularly picky when it comes to substrate. But she prefers compost-based potting soil. You can also plant them in palm soil or in a mixture of garden soil, peat and sand.
How to properly water and fertilize the Zamioculcas
The only thing you can do wrong with Zamioculcas is watering them too often. That would rot the plant. Since it stores water in the rhizomes for emergencies, overwatering would be fatal to the plant. It is best to keep them evenly moist and only water when the soil has dried.
You should fertilize the Zamioculcas from spring to autumn about every four weeks with a liquid fertilizer forGreen plants.
How to overwinter the Zamioculcas correctly
Zamioculcas goes dormant from late autumn to spring. During this time you should bring the outdoor plants into the house. At the latest when the temperatures drop below 16° Celsius.
You will then have to water the Zamioculcas less during the winter break. However, the root ball must not dry out under any circumstances. From March you can slowly water a little more again. Then you can start fertilizing again.
Repot Zamioculcas after winter break
Because Zamioculcas grow quickly when young, they need to be repotted regularly. Older plants, on the other hand, only about every 3 years. At the latest when the roots push up and look out of the ground. It is best to repot the Zamioculcas after the winter break. So the plant can start the new garden season fresh.
Little tip:
If dust collects on the plant, simply place the Zamioculcas in the shower and give them a lukewarm shower. Then drain the water and do not water for the next few days.