It is believed that Zamioculcas, as dollar trees are called in scientific literature, attracts prosperity and monetary luck to homes.

Zamioculcas zamiaefolia, also known as Loddigesa, is a succulent.

dollar tree- a bush with original leaves consisting of separately growing feathers. Such fleshy feathers accumulate moisture, which helps the plant survive dry periods.

Optimal location, lighting and temperature

Dollar Tree needs large quantities sunlight.

If there is not enough light, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry out. At the same time, it is worth protecting Zamioculcas from direct sunlight.

It is advisable to protect it from direct sunlight. Otherwise, burns may appear on the leaves and they may begin to turn yellow, dry out and fall off. Therefore, he needs to choose a place on the windowsill, in partial shade.

But, in the cold season and with strong icy winds, it is better to protect the flower and remove it away from open windows. Since it is adapted to hot climates, the flower can easily withstand thirty-degree heat, but cooling and freezing pose a serious danger for it.

Temperatures dropping below 12 degrees will cause illness and may kill the Dollar Tree. The flower, in winter, needs to be removed as far as possible from drafts.

Features of watering

Caring for dollar plants is easy; they are very unpretentious houseplants. They rarely suffer from disease or pest attacks, but especially common problem in care - violation of the watering regime.

The flower needs abundant but infrequent watering so that the soil between them has time to dry completely. If you overwater the plant, Zamioculcas will begin to hurt in too wet soil.

Its roots will no longer contain accumulated moisture and will begin to rot. In this case, the only way to save the plant is to immediately remove the rotten roots and dry the remaining ones with crushed coal. After this, the plant requires transplantation new pot. You need one so that the roots are not crowded.

The tropical plant is accustomed to high humidity air, which should be maintained in the room where the flower pot is located. The fleshy leaves of Dollar Tree should be wiped down periodically with a damp sponge.

This will make it easier for the plant to breathe. You can also achieve a sufficient level of humidity by spraying the plant with a spray bottle on a daily basis. The water in it should be warm, but not boiled.

Soil and fertilizers

You can purchase ready-made soil for succulents and cacti, which is perfect for the Dollar Tree. It is soft and loose, allows oxygen to pass through well and saturates the roots of the plant with it.

If, for some reason, there is no ready-made soil mixture in the store, you can prepare it yourself. The land for Zamioculcas dollar is easily prepared. For this, in equal parts you need to mix peat, turf, leaf and turf soil and add a little sand and perlite to the resulting mass.

From mid-spring to mid-autumn, the Money Tree requires constant feeding. Fertilizers should be special complexes for succulents. The plant needs to be fertilized twice a month.

After purchasing a seedling in a store, you need to give it several weeks to adapt. Two weeks after the plant appears in the house, you can begin to fertilize it, along with the others. You can use a weak solution of chicken manure, wood ash and mullein.

Dollar Tree Pruning

Usually, Zamioculcas independently copes with the formation of the crown and human intervention is not required.

But, in some cases, you can help the plant by carefully cutting off unnecessary shoots with a knife:

• shoots that grow inward must be trimmed;
• trimmed top part shoots if new side shoots grow poorly;
• sometimes, due to too rapid growth, some leaves and branches are knocked out of the general crown, in which case the protruding branches are shortened;
• dried shoots are removed.

Important! Zamioculcas is a poisonous tropical plant, so it is best to wear gloves when pruning it.

After pruning, the flower begins to actively form new shoots. At such moments, it is important to doubly carefully monitor the lighting, temperature and nutrition of the plant, because only in case of uniform growth, the crown of the Dollar Tree will become lush and healthy, and will also grow well.

Features of transplanting a Dollar Tree

During transplantation, be sure to wear protective gloves, otherwise you may get burns from the juice. tropical plant.

Transplantation is carried out in the following cases:

1. After purchasing a plant, it needs several days to adapt to new conditions. Only after this can you make a transfer.
2. The young plant is replanted every year because it grows and root system requires more space.
3. Adult specimens need to be replanted when its roots fill the entire pot and begin to protrude onto the surface.

A transplant carried out incorrectly will harm the plant and may even cause its death.

The following rules must be followed:

1. First, you need to prepare the pot. It must be suitable for the size of the plant's root system.
2. The flower is placed in a new pot.
3. The top tubers should be one centimeter above the ground.
4. At the last moment, fertilizers for succulents are added.

Reproduction of Zamioculcas

In its natural habitat, the Dollar Tree reproduces by seed. At home, there are more ways to propagate tropical plants. Parts of the plant are used for it: leaf plates and roots.

By dividing the tuber

This propagation method is used only if the plant is already mature.

1. Pots slightly larger than the root system are prepared in advance so that the roots are not crowded in the container. Containers approximately 3-4 cm larger are suitable.
2. The rhizome of the mother plant is carefully divided into equal parts.
3. Each part of the tuber must be placed in a separate pot. Moisten the soil, then place the container with the plant on the windowsill in semi-darkness so that it does not receive direct sunlight.

Cuttings (propagation by branches)

1. You need to prepare a stem cutting in advance, which should have a bud and a leaf.
2. Then, you need to crush some activated carbon.
3. Treat the cut area with it.
4. The cuttings should be left in the fresh air for several hours, then placed in the ground.
5. The pot with seedlings is covered with film and placed in a warm place.
6. Roots begin to form in about a month.

Leaf propagation

1. For this method, you only need a small leaf plate separated from the shoot. It is placed in peat.
2. The pot with the leaf is covered with something transparent (film or glass) to keep the shoots warm, and is transferred to a well-lit place.

Sometimes, you will have to wait up to several months until the tubers begin to form. It depends on the external factors, such as ambient temperature and humidity.

Dollar tree blossom

Typically, flowering of the Zamioculcas plant is observed only in natural conditions Dollar Tree habitat.

However, subject to the right conditions By growing a flower and paying due attention to caring for the plant at home, you can witness a blooming Dollar Tree.

Photo unusual plant often posted on social media their mistresses.

As the flower grows, a spadix covered with leaves is formed.

Dollar Tree Pests

The dollar tree is quite unpretentious and rarely gets sick, but in some cases it is attacked by pests. In this case, the plant urgently needs help, otherwise, after a serious illness, it dies.

In case of too frequent heavy watering of the plant, combined with low temperatures, the stem and root system begin to rot. It is necessary to remove the affected areas of the root system before the rotting goes too far.

Spider mites appear on plants due to insufficient air moisture. It is necessary to wipe the fleshy leaves with a sponge dipped in soapy water or spray with an insecticide. This will protect the plant from pests.

Aphids and thrips appear after the succulent is kept outside, for example, in summer time. In the warm season, many people take the Dollar Tree to balconies, summer terraces and gardens. Then these pests attack him.

Scale insects, as a rule, get onto succulents from other infected plants. In this case, you need to carefully treat not only the Dollar Tree, but also the flowers surrounding it.

Some recent years One of the most popular plants among gardeners has become the dollar tree. According to Feng Shui practice, this flower promises prosperity and wealth to its owners. That is why it has become fashionable to give zamioculcas as gifts for birthdays and housewarmings. The second reason for the great popularity of the dollar tree is its very easy care. Growing the plant at home does not require special attention.

Dollar tree: photo, flower description

The plant got its name because of its green, glossy beautiful leaves. One fleshy leaf contains about ten feathers. The height of the tree, with good care, can reach more than one meter. Its tuberous root stores water, which the plant needs during periods of drought. Zamioculcas is similar in its properties to Crassula or money tree.

The dollar plant grown at home rarely blooms. A dollar flower is a spadix of light pink, light yellow or white, covered with outside big leaf. It reaches 8 cm in length. It is not particularly decorative and looks a bit like a spathiphyllum flower.

For Zamioculcas to begin to bloom, he certain conditions are required:

• moderate watering;
• warm habitat;
• good lighting.

If all conditions are met, the dollar tree can bloom at a young age.

Features of growing Zamioculcas

At home, caring for a dollar tree is not at all difficult. However, there are still some nuances in plant care.

Lighting

Zamioculcas is light-loving, so it needs to choose a well-lit place. However, in the first few days the flower must adapt to new conditions, so it needs to choose a place with partial shade.

In the future, the plant can put on the windowsill, shading it from direct sunlight. Otherwise, the leaves may get burned and become covered with yellow spots.

Temperature

The dollar tree will grow and bloom well in the summer at a room temperature of +25C.

In winter, the flower needs a lower temperature, at which it will gain strength for active growth in the summer. Flower growers recommend keeping the plant at a temperature of no more than +16C. You can even take the pot with zamioculcas to an insulated loggia if the temperature there does not drop below +12C.

Air humidity

The flower needs a humid climate, which can be achieved in two ways:

1. Spray the leaves of the plant daily with settled water at room temperature.
2. Place the flower pot on a tray filled with damp moss, drainage or peat.

Since the leaves of the dollar tree are fleshy, the plant will not suffer from lack of moisture. Plant installed on a windowsill heating season will feel bad. Therefore, under such conditions, it is recommended to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

Rules for watering and fertilizing

The correct watering regime is key moment when caring for a dollar tree. The plant can survive without moisture for more than a week. Therefore, Zamioculcas is perfect for those who often leave their apartment or for a long time.

Water the plant abundantly, but only after the soil in the pot has completely dried. It is impossible to water Zamioculcas too often, because it the tuber may begin to rot. That is why there should be no stagnation of water on the surface of the soil and in the pan. Overwatering is much worse for a dollar tree than overdrying the soil.

During the period of active growth, the plant requires nutrients. Therefore, Zamioculcas needs to be fed once every two weeks. For this purpose, fertilizers for cacti or succulents sold in specialized stores are used.

In winter, if the plant is kept in a cool room, stop watering and fertilizing.

Dollar tree - replanting

The root system of the plant consists of dense tubers that are quite vulnerable. If transplanted carelessly, they can be damaged, which often leads to the death of the flower. Therefore, Zamioculcas should be replanted slowly and with extreme care.

A dollar tree is transplanted in three cases:

1. A few days after purchase, since in stores plants are sold in shipping pots with peat. Immediate transplantation is not recommended. The plant must adapt to new conditions.
2. The young plant is replanted annually. The pot is chosen a little larger.
3. Adult plants are transplanted only after the roots fill the entire earthen ball and begin to protrude from the pot. The best time Spring is considered to be the time for replanting.

For Zamioculcas, it is better to choose a clay or ceramic pot. The roots of the plant, growing, can easily break the plastic container.

Definitely at the bottom of the pot drainage needs to be installed. Soil can be bought at the store. You should choose a soil mixture intended for cacti. For good air permeability, it is recommended to add expanded clay to the soil, which should be fine-grained.

To avoid damaging the roots, replanting is carried out using the transshipment method. The flower, along with a lump of earth, is taken out of the old pot and carefully placed in a new container prepared in advance. In this case, you need to make sure that the upper tubers remain bare by about one centimeter. They cannot be completely covered with earth.

Dollar tree sap is poisonous and can cause burning and itching if it comes into contact with the skin. Therefore, when replanting a plant, you must wear rubber gloves.

At home, Zamioculcas can be propagated in three ways:

• cuttings;
• dividing the tuber;
• leaf.

Cuttings

The tree reproduces in this way if the plant is already mature. The cutting is cut from a branch bare below, on which a small bud has formed.

The roots should appear in 2-4 weeks. Caring for the cuttings at this time involves constantly moistening the substrate.

Tuber division

The root system of the dollar tree can be easily divided and planted in pots. This can be done when transplanting an adult plant.

Each division should be planted in a pot that is approximately 3-4 cm in diameter wider than the rhizome. The container for planting young plants should not be very deep.

Reproduction by leaf

This is the simplest and at the same time long-term method of reproduction dollar tree.

1. A small leaf is separated from the plant branch and goes deep into the loose substrate or peat.
2. The earth mixture is slightly moistened.
3. It is best to plant several leaves in a container at once.
4. Place the container with seedlings in a well-lit place.

The tuber on such leaves can ripen within several months. To speed up this process, you can cover the container with polyethylene, creating greenhouse conditions for the seedlings.

Possible problems when caring for Zamioculcas

Growing a dollar tree is generally not a big deal, but there is still some involved in caring for it. some problems may arise.

Although Flowering of the dollar tree is very rare and is not distinguished by his beauty, this does not prevent him from remaining one of the most beautiful indoor plants. With its spectacular waxy leaves, Zamioculcas can decorate any home or office.

dollar tree

Currently, many people breed zamioculcas at home, although this plant came to us quite recently. In the mid-90s of the last century, it first settled in offices commercial organizations, from where it gradually migrated to government agencies and only by the beginning of the 21st century - into the apartments of ordinary citizens.

Description of the plant

WITH light hand office plankton, the plant began to be called the “dollar tree”, since the flora of the offices of that time was not too diverse, however, “money” and “dollar” trees, according to legend, attracting money to the company, were constant attributes of any commercial design style. Particularly ironic is the fact that the birthplace of the “dollar tree” is one of the poorest countries on our planet – Mozambique. Be that as it may, the plant gained popularity because it combined beautiful appearance and unpretentious living conditions.

Zamioculcas is a thick-stemmed evergreen herbaceous crop with a massive rhizome. Its leaves are dark green in color with a characteristic glossy tint. The leaves themselves have small swellings at the base.

The length of the leaves can reach up to 1 meter. The plant can accumulate moisture in case of drought and shed leaves if the stored moisture runs out and there is no watering. The plant is perennial, with a slow rate of growth and the appearance of new stems and leaves.

At home

Zamioculcas is a monotypic plant, that is, the only species of its kind. And taking into account the fact that the plant has been cultivated by humans under artificial conditions for no more than half a century, the number of varieties and varieties of Zamioculcas is small. Its first varieties appeared no more than 10 years ago and were not widely used.

The Zamioculcas flower looks like a small ear of corn; its length is approximately 5-6 cm. It grows on a separate stem and is pollinated naturally. As a rule, during the flowering period, the plant has several flowers.

dollar tree flower

Soil for Zamioculcas

Under natural conditions, this plant lives on extremely poor, mostly rocky, soils in which moisture is practically not retained. Based on this, a soil mixture of the appropriate composition is selected for the plant.

Traditionally, the soil must meet the following criteria:

• water and air should penetrate through it equally well
• it should be neutral acidity
• the soil should be very loose
• it must be nutritious

Alumina is not applicable in this case; the only compromise that can be made to increase the nutritional value of the soil is the use of peat, and even then, in relatively small quantities.

Sometimes soil for succulents is used for zamioculcas, however, it is best to make a soil mixture with your own hands.

For this, the following composition is used:

• leaf soil
• turf land
• river sand
• peat substrate

All components are mixed in equal quantities by weight. It is advisable to calcine the earthen mixture in the oven to disinfect it from pathogens and fungi.

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Choosing a pot and transplanting issues

Oddly enough, the conversation about caring for Zamioculcas begins with these questions. There are few plants that are capable of destroying the pot in which they are located with their root system, and Zamioculcas is one of them. The powerful root system of Zamioculcas sometimes grows faster than its stems and leaves and, as it grows, is capable of tearing plastic pots.

Therefore, first of all, as soon as you acquire a Zamioculcas, check whether it has enough meta in its current “home” and whether it needs to expand its “living space”. However, you should not do this right away: the plant needs to be given about a month to adapt. If you purchased Zamioculcas from October to February, despite the size of its pot, it is best to wait until March to replant. Flowering plant It is recommended to replant a week after flowering ends.

A plastic container that burst under the influence of roots

Based on this, the more preferable option is to use ceramic pots with a fairly wide top; This is necessary so that the plant has the opportunity to at least somewhere to put its roots in the absence of replanting for a long time. Ceramic pots with a narrow neck can destroy zamioculcas by destroying its root system if it has nowhere to grow. In addition, pots with a narrow neck will not allow replanting a large plant tuber - it may simply not fit into a small diameter hole.

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Features of transplantation

The pot for replanting should have a diameter 5-6 cm larger than the previous one, but you should not choose a pot with an excessively large capacity. This is due to the fact that Zamioculcas has one unpleasant feature - its upper part begins to develop only when the roots fill almost the entire volume of the pot. In addition, large pots accumulate a lot of moisture, and the root system of Zamioculcas, like most indoor plants, does not like excessive waterlogging.

The latter means that in the pot you need to think about a good drainage system. To do this, you need large holes for draining water and the volume of drainage should be at least a quarter of the volume of the pot. Small or medium crushed stone or pebbles are selected as drainage material; the use of expanded clay is undesirable.

It is best to do a planned plant replantation (performed for young plants, usually once a year) in mid-spring. If for some reason this cannot be done, you can do it later, however, no later than August. Adult plants older than 3-5 years can be replanted much less frequently - once every 3-4 years.

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Transplantation process. Instructions

Plant extracted for replanting

Let's look at the process of transplanting zamioculcas step by step:

• Wash the new pot thoroughly and fill it with drainage (a quarter of the volume)
• Add half of the soil mixture
• Carefully remove the plant from the old pot. To avoid damaging the root system, we use the rolling method. If possible, do not remove the old soil mixture from the space between the roots and tubers
• Place the plant in the new pot exactly in the center
• Add soil mixture, not reaching 1-1.5 cm to the top edge of the pot
• We carry out moderate watering, removing excess moisture from the pan.

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Care

It consists of providing it with normal conditions of detention, watering and feeding. No special techniques or skills are required from the owner. Even during the flowering period, the plant is undemanding to living conditions.

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Plant conditions

The temperature at which the plant feels normal is from 18°C ​​to 30°C. The plant tolerates heat and drought perfectly, but hypothermia is dangerous for it. A temperature drop below 16°C is critical.

Decor element

The plant loves a lot of diffused light; there should be no direct sunlight. However, Zamioculcas will feel fine on the windowsill near the windows of any side of the house, as well as under artificial lighting.

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Watering the plant

The plant prefers moderate watering with water at room temperature. Zamioculcas does not tolerate excess moisture. The roots may begin to rot as early as the second day after watering if excess moisture is not removed. It is necessary to monitor the plant and water it only when the substrate is completely dry, until cracks appear in it.

Yellowed leaves are the first sign that the plant is getting too much moisture. Don't overdo it with watering. The plant lives in extremely dry climates and can survive without water. The plant also needs low air humidity.

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Plant nutrition

The growth rate of Zamioculcas is very slow, so it is recommended to fertilize it to speed up its growth. Specialized fertilizers for succulents are best suited for these purposes. The feeding process has a number of nuances, failure to comply with which can destroy the plant. Let's look at them in detail.

ZAMIOCULCAS - DOLLAR TREE CARE SECRETS

Beautiful, forever green plant with shiny, fleshy dark green leaves. With good care, the plant reaches up to 1-1.5 meters in length and has already established itself as one of the most beautiful and noble indoor plants.
In common parlance, this handsome green plant with a powerful tuberous rhizome is simply called dollar or money plant. Guess what plant? we're talking about?! Yes, indeed, this is it - the Zamioculcas plant, beloved by many.

ZAMIOKULKAS. CARE AT HOME

Came to visit us from afar sunny Africa and the island of Madagascar, the “dollar tree” quickly “nailed itself to the shores” of domestic flower growers. So, according to some canons of Feng Shui, in order to attract financial luck to your home (or office), you need to place this plant in the southeast, in the so-called wealth sector, and to activate the talisman you should add a few coins to the ground.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE.
First of all, endure the adaptation period - this is about two to three weeks. Then you can safely get down to business - start replanting the plant, taking into account the seasons and the age of your green pet (you should not replant a plant that is too young at first). Please pay attention Special attention choosing a pot. Not recommended for use ceramic pots, the plant may die in it due to lack of space. It is best to choose a pot for a zamioculcas plant not by height, but by width, since it will be very difficult to get the plant out of a narrow and elongated pot when it becomes necessary to replant it. Ideally, it should not be too large or narrow.

TRANSFER.
After choosing the shape of the pot, you need to move on to creating expanded clay drainage. It can be bought in specialized flower stores. It is best for the zamioculcas plant to place medium-sized expanded clay fractions with a diameter of 10 to 20 mm at the bottom of the container. A coarse layer of sand is then added on top, which will be approximately ¼ of the total volume. Transshipment of young plants should be carried out annually. The young zamioculcas plant is transferred into a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.

(Attention! This must be done carefully, using gloves, as the sap of the plant is poisonous).

In this case, the procedure should not affect the earthen lump in any way. Prepared fresh soil is added, taking into account the capacity of the new dishes. Remember that old plants should be transferred as needed. A plastic pot that has changed its shape can tell you about this.

UNWANTED ZAMIOCULCAS.
But nevertheless, domestic flower growers fell in love with the Zamioculcas plant not only for its spectacular monetary “appearance”, but also for its completely unpretentious care. This means that it can be recommended as experienced flower growers, and for beginners.
By the way, about feeding! It is advisable to start feeding the plant late spring and in summer, somewhere from mid-April to September. The plant cannot be fed in autumn and winter. For feeding, you must use fertilizers recommended for succulents and cacti.

Spray the zamioculcas plant in a timely manner and wipe the rounded leaves from dirt and dust. Make sure that it does not appear on the plant. spider mite. In summer, bring the flower to Fresh air- He will feel great there. Zamioculcas should be watered in summer as the soil dries out, since overwatering leads to rotting of the roots.

The most important thing to remember is that zamioculcas loves: bright, diffused light, warmth and moderate watering.
What he doesn't like is dampness, low temperatures, therefore, it is necessary to water the plant in the summer as the soil dries out and no more than twice in the winter months.

ZAMIOKULKAS. BASIC RECOMMENDATIONS:
. The dollar tree grows best in a bright place near windows facing western and eastern directions.
. In winter, place “your friend” closer to the window.
. After a cloudy winter, the plant should be accustomed to direct sunlight gradually to avoid sunburn.
. It is better to let the soil be dry than waterlogged.
. On summer days, take the plant out to the balcony, garden, etc. to the open air.
. Don't forget to wipe and spray the leaves of the plant.
. From April to August, every two weeks, the zamioculcas plant needs feeding. (This can include fertilizers for cacti and succulents).
. It is better to choose a place for the plant where there is no direct sunlight, otherwise sunburn may appear on the leaves.
. Once every two years in the spring it is necessary to replant adult plants.
. If the plant has been “staying” in the garden all summer, or under open air, then there is no need to water it; the “rain” baths it takes will be enough.
. The soil must be enriched with minerals and organic substances, consisting of turf, peat, leaf soil and sand.
. The pot should correspond to the root system of Zamioculcas (i.e. be quite wide).
. Thick and fleshy stems need support, otherwise they may begin to collapse.
. For watering, use only soft, settled water.

REPRODUCTION AT HOME.
Zamioculcas propagation and care at home is a rather difficult task, but realistic. There are several methods of propagation, or rather three: cuttings, dividing the bush and leaves.

The larger the part you choose for propagation, the sooner you will see the result. Leaf blades and cuttings are rooted in a mixture of sand and peat (1:1) in a warm place with diffused lighting, under glass or polyethylene cover. Under these conditions, the leaves begin to form a round, tuberous organ on which buds and roots develop. You can create a certain thermal effect in a plant pot by placing, for example, a jar on top.

ZAMIOKULKAS AND THE SEASONS.
The dormant state for our indoor plant has always been winter and deep autumn. During this period, it is necessary to treat zamioculcas with special care, water it less often and keep it relatively cool, about sixteen degrees Celsius; if possible, expose it as close to the light as possible. But in the summer, in the midday heat, the plant should be kept in diffused light, at a temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius, avoiding direct sunlight, which can lead to burns of the plant.

From spring to autumn, the plant should be watered in moderation (until the top layer dries completely). Weekly, at all times of the year, it is necessary to monitor the level of stagnation of water in the soil. It is very important that it does not stagnate. Air humidity does not play a significant role; plants tolerate dry indoor air well.

WHAT COULD LEAD TO THE DEATH OF ZAMIOCULCAS.
First of all, Zamioculcas is a plant that needs attention. What this plant does not like is sudden changes in temperature or low temperatures, drafts. This may cause dark spots on the leaves. Lack of light can cause the plant to stretch out. Death of leaves can be caused by mechanical damage, and excessive watering at low temperatures can lead to rotting of stems and even roots.

Most often, the plant dies when it suffers from an excess of moisture, due to too frequent watering. It also suffers from a lack of sunlight, especially in winter. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves. Transplantation into severe clay soil, where moisture practically does not evaporate, will also not benefit these plants.

Thus, if you follow the above recommendations, then your “green” pet will delight you for many years, creating comfort in your home and bringing long-awaited luck.

This exotic handsome man won the love of Russian citizens in the late 90s. Evergreen appeared in Dutch nurseries beautiful plant. As a result, Zamioculcas settled in many apartments and offices. The flower has poisonous juice, but it does not emit any toxic fumes. Therefore, keeping it at home is completely safe.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – belongs to the aroid family. This unpretentious evergreen plant in most of its characteristics is closest to succulents.

The flower has the following unique names:

• Dollar Tree;
• Currency tree;
• Money Tree;
• Eternal Tree;
• Zanzibar Pearl;
• Woman's happiness;
• Flower of celibacy.

His homeland is Africa. The plant received its unique name due to its similarity with zamia. Given its Latin roots, zamiya means loss or damage.

The flower is perfect for interior decoration because it has a pronounced external decorative effect. When providing good conditions the length of the plant can be up to 80 centimeters and above. Zamioculcas is a perennial, but does not live more than 10 years.

The closest “relatives” of the plant are Monstera and Dieffenbachia. His distinguishing feature- straight growing glossy leaves attached to the stem by long cuttings.

Zamioculcas appeared in flower shops 20 years ago. During this time, breeders bred several various types, the most popular of which are for home grown are:

Zamioculcas zamifolia ( Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) Zamifolia

This is the most typical representative of the plant. This is what refers to the “money tree”. A beautiful ornamental bush with bright fleshy leaves. The plant looks so perfect that it feels like it is artificial. Amazing plant, which hides its trunk in the soil. For the first time weeks after growth, the flower does not form roots. Instead, there is a tuber that stores large reserves of water. The tuber is somewhat reminiscent of a dark marsh or brown potato. Has the shape of an ellipse.

Looking at the pot with the plant, it seems that bright green leaves are growing directly from the soil. The leaves are attached to the tuber using a long stalk, which unknowing gardeners mistake for the trunk. The length of the leaves reaches 60 centimeters. The leaves grow from a tuber and are divided into 8-12 individual leaflets. This is very rare for this species. The feather is dense, glossy and has a thick, juicy axis in which the flower stores moisture.

The plant grows in height very slowly. The cost of a shrub in a flower shop depends on its height; the longer, the more expensive.

Zamioculcas zamifolia / Flowering

Zamioculcas variegata ( Zamioculcas variegate)

Variegated or variegated zamioculcas is very difficult to find in flower shops. His homeland is the island of Madagascar. At home it can reach a height of 1 to 1.5 meters. The leaves are arranged symmetrically in strict order. They have a bright green color, juicy flesh, and pointed tips. Flowers appear on the plant rarely, if there are very good care. The inflorescence is formed in the shape of a spadix.

Zamioculcas variegata

Zamioculcas lanceolate ( ZamioculcasLanceolata)

Received this name because of the elongated leaves of the original lanceolate shape. The flower was first exhibited at flower auctions in Holland at the end of the 20th century. Its height reached 1.5 meters and above. In 2007 it was withdrawn miniature plant, not exceeding 60 centimeters in height. Its leaves are an exact copy of its progenitor, only in a reduced size.

Zamioculcas lanceolata

Black Zamioculcas ( ZamioculcasBlak)

The plant has leaves and cuttings that are almost black. Otherwise, it is completely similar to Zamioculcas zamifolia. The same fleshy leaves, pointed at the tips, attached symmetrically on both sides on a common stalk. The young bush has salad-colored leaves. As they mature, they begin to darken. At the same time, their color is not affected at all by the lighting in the room. No matter how the florist tries to lighten the leaves, he will not succeed. This “tree” looks very impressive. Therefore, it will perfectly decorate any room.

Black Zamioculcas

Care

The plant does not require careful constant attention. Growing a healthy dollar tree is not difficult. In its natural habitat, the flower is accustomed to difficult growing conditions. Therefore, it is not at all capricious in care, location and choice of soil.

Watering

The health of the currency tree depends on proper watering. The plant is able to accumulate liquid, so it tolerates drought more easily than excess moisture. Excess moisture causes tubers to rot. Lack of moisture can be seen in the thinning of the leaves and their limp appearance. During prolonged drought, the flower may shed its leaves, especially during periods of intensive growth.

The following watering scheme should be followed:

• Spring and summer are the period of plant growth. Therefore, the flower needs excess moisture. Watering is carried out 3-4 times a month;
• Winter and autumn refer to the dormant period when the plant rests. It is necessary to reduce the frequency of watering to 1-2 times a month.

Settled water at room temperature is suitable for irrigation. Before moistening the soil, make sure the soil is completely dry. If it leaks into the pan excess water it must be drained immediately. When it stagnates, putrefactive processes begin.

Lighting

This light-loving plant. Although it brings great darkness. The most the best place location - this is the window sill of the south window. You should not expose the flower to direct sunlight, as the leaves can get severely burned.

• It is worth hanging a small curtain on the window to create a slight oppression, especially in the summer season.
• Without good lighting, the leaves of the dollar tree become thinner. They become slightly sluggish, and the bush loses all its decorative charm.
• It is especially important to create bright lighting during the period of increased plant growth: spring and summer. In order for the growth to be uniform, you need to turn the flower towards the window with different sides, otherwise the symmetrical shape of the leaves will be absent.

The plant loves fresh air. Therefore, during the warm season it should be taken out into the garden or onto the balcony. It is first necessary to provide the eternal tree with slight shading and protection from precipitation.

Temperature

The plant comes from Africa, so it loves warmth very much. Intense heat exceeding thirty degrees will not cause any harm to the bush. Experts involved in breeding zamioculcas believe that it is optimal for normal height and plant development is a temperature of 22 to 26 degrees. Temperature drop in winter period up to 16 degrees will not harm the bush at all. It should be noted that if the air temperature drops below 12 degrees, the plant may die. Just as harmful to him sharp jumps temperature.

The dollar tree does not like drafts.

Humidity

The flower tolerates dry air well. Spraying the plant with water is not an urgent need. It should be carried out when dust has accumulated on the leaves, which will be much more convenient to remove.

Only warm water is sprayed. Then the leaves are gently wiped with a damp soft cloth. Most often such “cleaning” should be carried out in the summer.

The soil

The soil for the plant should be loose and light, capable of allowing moisture and air to pass through well. Flower shops sell special formulations specifically for succulents.

You can prepare the soil yourself. You will need the following components:

• Turf land;
• Leaf soil;
• Peat;
• Sand.

All components are taken in equal proportions and mixed thoroughly. Flower growers advise adding a little sphagnum moss to this composition. The Zanzibar pearl does not like acidic soil, so the acidity of the soil should be neutral.

Before use, the soil must be disinfected. To do this, it is heated in a water bath for 10-15 minutes. You can also water the soil with special chemical compounds or a weak solution of manganese. Some plant growers spill boiling water on the soil.

Transfer

Zamioculcas is a slow growing plant. Therefore, he will not need frequent transplants. A young flower is replanted once every two years. For a fully formed adult shrub, replanting once every five years is sufficient.

You need to be careful. The flower does not tolerate even minor damage to the tubers. In order not to injure the money tree, it is replanted while preserving the old soil. Complete replacement soil is possible only if the plant is diseased or needs to be divided.

It is better to choose a stable clay pot for the flower. The transplant is carried out according to the following instructions:

• Using a flat, wide tool, you need to carefully remove the plant from the old pot along with the soil.
• Drainage is placed in the new container. There is no need to add coins to it. Such superstition can lead to oxidative processes that harm the plant tuber;
• The drainage is lightly filled with new soil;
• The plant is clearly located in the middle of the new pot and sprinkled with soil on all sides. The tuber should not be deeply buried; it should rise slightly above the surface.
• The plant is watered with a small amount of water.

After transplantation, the currency tree does not require any special care. It is put back in its original place. The plant can only be replanted by dividing the tuber into two or more parts. This is a painful procedure. Therefore, if this method of propagating a flower is not planned, then it is better to transplant the tuber as a whole.

Fertilizer

It is best to purchase special fertilizer in the store. For indoor plants, it is diluted half and half with water. The flower especially needs fertilizer during the period of active growth and flowering, that is, from April to October.

During the dormant period, you should not fertilize the plant.

In addition to horse feeding, you can use foliar feeding. It is carried out in spring and summer no more than 1-2 times a month. To do this, the leaves of the plant are sprayed with a urea solution. The procedure is carried out between waterings.

Reproduction

The plant is expensive in flower shops. It will not be difficult to dilute it at home. There are three known methods of breeding Zamioculcas:

• Tuber division.
• Cuttings.
• Leaf propagation.

Each method has its own characteristic features:

Tuber separation

This method of flower propagation is possible if there is a large mother tuber. It is necessary to remove the tuber from the pot and remove all the soil. There are buds on the rhizome, from which lateral shoots can later form.

A tuber with only one bud cannot be divided. Separation is carried out with a sharply sharpened, disinfected knife. The tuber should be cut lengthwise so that there are several buds on each side. The cut is sprinkled with crushed sand of black activated carbon.

After 2-3 hours, the plant can be planted in the prepared pot. If there is no lateral shoot growth point on part of the rhizome, the plant will die.

Cuttings

This is the most acceptable method for propagating Zamioculcas. Cuttings are suitable for mature plants with several side shoots.

The larger the cutting, the greater the likelihood of growing a full-fledged flower from it. The cuttings retain a lot nutrients, promoting faster rooting than when propagated by leaves.

A cutting is a shoot of Zamioculcas that has at least one bud.

Cuttings go through the following stages:

• We choose the most suitable part of the plant for this;
• We cut it off with a scalpel or a sharpened knife. The instrument must be sterile;
• Pour warm water into a container with a small amount of activated charcoal or charcoal;
• Place the shoot cut side down in the container;
• We are waiting for the roots to form;
• Plant it in a pot.

For germination it is necessary to comply temperature regime not lower than 20-22 degrees and keep the shoot in good lighting. The water is constantly refreshed, otherwise the cutting may rot.

You can carry out cuttings in another way. To do this, a cut of the rhinestone shoot is treated with charcoal. After a few hours, a special plug will form at the cut site, which will prevent the plant from rotting. Now it can be placed in the moist soil of the pot, so that the lower part of the bud is covered with soil, and the upper part remains on the surface.

You can make a small greenhouse for the transplanted plant, then rooting will go faster. When watering, the main thing is not to get on the bud, otherwise the plant may die.

In order to see the formation of roots, it is better to plant in a transparent container - plastic bottle or a glass. Drainage holes should be made in them using a sharp tool. After the roots have formed, the plant must be transplanted to a permanent location.

Leaf propagation

The plant can be propagated by a whole leaf or leaf blades. The process of obtaining a tuber from a leaf can take up to six months. It all depends on planting material. The more leaves you can take, the faster the tuber will form.

If a whole leaf is used for propagation, its lower parts should be removed. It is placed in warm water in a well-lit, warm place. The water is changed every other day. When the first roots appear, the leaf can be immediately planted in a prepared container.

It should be noted that if exposed to direct sunlight or stagnant water, the leaf will die.

Trimming

Pruning is not a prerequisite for proper plant care. It is carried out only to give it a certain shape or rejuvenation. You can trim any part of the plant: tuber, leaves, cuttings. The main thing is that the pruning tool is very sharp and sterile. A scalpel, garden pruning shears, and a sharp knife will do.

The cut area must be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon. This will quickly stop the leakage and block access to the “wound” for pathogenic microorganisms. Often pruning is used to treat the currency tree.

Diseases and pests

The flower is very resistant to various diseases. Therefore, it practically does not get sick and is not affected by pests.

It may not be possible to bring him to a painful state proper care. The most common reason is over-watering. The root system of Zamioculcas begins to rot. In this situation, the flower requires urgent transplantation. It is necessary to inspect the rhizome and remove all putrefactive damage.

If a currency tree's leaves turn yellow, this does not indicate disease. This is how the normal growth process occurs. Old leaves die and turn yellow, replaced by new green leaves. Yellowed leaves are removed only after complete wilting with a sharp tool.

Why isn't it growing?

Sometimes it seems to the owner that the plant is practically not growing, and at the same time there are yellowed leaves. In this situation, you need to check the temperature, the presence of drafts and pests. It is possible that the breeder forgot to water the plant at the time.

Slow growth is a hallmark of this plant. Don't try to add more fertilizer or increase watering. If new shoots do not appear for a long time, it is worth reconsidering the location money tree and pay attention to the water with which the plant is watered. It should be clean and warm.

Bloom

It is rare that a gardener manages to see the flowers of this ornamental plant. But this does not mean poor flower care, since the appearance of flowers in Zamioculcas, even in its homeland, is a rare occurrence.

The inflorescences have an unusual type of spadix, in which male and female flowers are arranged in different sides and are separated by a row of sterile flowers. Inflorescences appear in the lower part of the plant, at a distance of 20 centimeters from the ground. This arrangement does not allow self-pollination. Pollination is carried out by small insects and the wind.

In place of faded flowers, small berries filled with seeds appear. It is impossible to get a ripe fruit at home. Experienced plant growers claim that the period of appearance of the first flowers largely depends on the location of the plant. So, if you place it on a “northern” windowsill, flowers will appear towards the end of the dollar tree’s life. Choosing a “southern” window promotes earlier flowering.

Signs and superstitions associated with the plant

Now it is difficult to find the origins of the plant’s popular name. Why did it become called " currency tree"And every banking institution must have it in the reception area.

A huge number of superstitions and signs are associated with this shrub, especially concerning female happiness. For example, one of its popular names, “flower of celibacy,” indicates that a young girl who has similar decor in her home will never receive a marriage proposal. But there are some deviations in this myth. If a girl bought a flower herself, then she will not see female happiness, but if it was given to her, good luck in amorous affairs is guaranteed. In this case, the flowering of the plant is considered especially lucky. This indicates that the wedding is very close.

• It is important to give a shrub on a special day, for example New Year, Christmas or birthday. It is believed that it will bring great luck and rapid career growth, which will lead to increased material wealth.
• The presence of a flower in the home is associated with increased health and well-being. But for this, the plant must be loved, since it senses the energy emitted by its owners. Behind good relations, the plant emits positive radiation.
• The donated shrub should be immediately transplanted into another pot. This will ensure an influx of money. In this case, it is necessary to bury coins in the ground. This will help the bush “tune in” to the radiation of monetary energy.
• Any growth of the plant or the formation of cobs is regarded as an indication of imminent financial well-being. In this case, the receipt of funds must be in dollars.