Zamiokulkas / zamioculcas

Refers to the family of aroids. Fatherland - about. Madagascar.

General description: A large evergreen plant. Glossy fleshy dark green leaves, pointed at the ends. On the stem grow in turn, symmetrically. Roots are tuberous. Snow-white flowers in the cob. It is quite unpretentious for indoor breeding, it can grow up to 1.5 m.

Recommendations for the care of the plant Zamiokulkas

Illumination: Light-loving, but gives preference to diffused light. In the summer it is better to place it on the balcony or in the garden, in winter - closer to the window. From the defect of light, the stems are stretched, the leaves become smaller and thinner. Direct sunlight is similarly undesirable, burns may appear on the leaves.

Watering: Surplus moisture is dangerous, stems and roots rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. Therefore, it should be watered moderately even in the warm season, in winter - rarely, by the measure of the drying out of the earth.

Humidity of air: Spraying does not require, it is useful to periodically wash the leaves.

Temperature : Moderate, in winter 12-18 0 C.

Soil: It does not tolerate heavy clay soils, it requires benign drainage. Young plants are recommended to be planted in the following soil mixture: take equal amounts of turf, leaf land, peat and sand, add a little humus. In the warm season (from April to August), once every two weeks you need fertilizing. Suitable fertilizers for succulents and cacti.

Reproduction: It is best to divorce bushes, but it is allowed to use cuttings and leaves. In this case phytohormones and soil heating are used for successful root formation. Leaf before planting, it is desirable to slightly dry. Rooting long.

Transplantation: Very important is the proportionality of the pot with the root system, so the zamioculcas are transplanted every year (old plants once a couple of years) in the spring.

Pests : May be affected by a spider mite. At the same time a spider web appears on the stem, the leaves dry out. Occasion - extremely low atmospheric humidity. With a mild damage, it is enough to treat the plant with a soapy sponge and wash it with warm water. In more serious cases, spraying with an athletic (1-2 ml per liter of water) is used.

Sometimes aphids can be affected, especially in summer, in a fresh atmosphere. Damaged leaves and tops of shoots become discolored and dry up. It is necessary to spray with pesticides (inta-vir, derris, actellicum, phytophythm, etc.)

Zamiokulkas - Zamioculcas