Plant of the Month - January

Plant of the Month - January

Published: 1st January 2021

Zamioculcas: Houseplant for January 2020

The powerhouse Zamioculcas is the Houseplant of the Month in January. It’s trendy, stylish and incredibly easy to care for. 

The story of Zamioculcas 
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also commonly known as the zz plant, is a member of the Araceae, the arum family. It’s a perennial with feathered leaves that grows to a height of 40 to 60cm. The leaves on the thick stems are smooth, shiny and dark green. The plant can flower, but rarely does in home environments, unless it is seriously neglected, as a survival technique. The arum-like flowers will then grow from the base of the plant.

Origin of Zamioculcas
Zamioculcas’ natural environment consists of rocky soil in lowlands or the foot of highlands in East Africa. Zamioculcas grow in countries like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi and Zanzibar.
Due to the resilience of the Zamioculcas plant and the slow growing habit will suit those who have less time to give to their plants or are new to growing house plants. The perfect conditions to aim for are a warm and humid environment.

Assortment
The Zamioculcas range is limited to the lush wax green leafed Zamioculcas, the mini- Zamioculcas and the black leafed “Raven”.

Care tips for customers
Zamioculcas is an ‘easy care’ product that is very tolerant.

  • In terms of position it will thrive in both a light spot and partial shade.
  • A room temperature of 18-22°C is fine. The plant should not be too cold, although again it generally won’t complain too much about that.
  • What Zamioculcas really cannot cope with is overwatering. The soil can be left to dry out a bit between watering. The plant has strong succulent properties in its leaves and roots to get it through a dry period.
  • Give some plant food once a month, and regularly spray the leaves with tepid water.
  • Old leaves can be removed if required. New feathers (leaves) will form if there is sufficient light.
  • The underground tubers are incredibly strong and can distort the (plastic) inner pot and crack the cachepot. The Zamioculcas must be repotted before it gets to that stage. 
  • In the summer, when the temperature no longer goes below 12°C, the plant can also be placed in the garden or on the patio. Do be careful of bright sunlight though.
  • The plant is only for decoration and not for consumption.

Text courtesy of the Flower Council of Holland. Images courtesy of thejoyofplants.co.uk

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