Caring for Zamioculcas — tips for a robust lucky feather

Worth knowing Site care Watering Fertilizing Repotting Pests & diseases FAQ

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Interesting facts about the Zamioculcas

Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Other names: Zamioculcas, Zamie, lucky feather
Use: indoor plant, interior greening, ornamental leaf plant, promotes the room climate
Origin: African tropics
Flower: inconspicuous, subordinate role
Special features:Zamioculcas is a fairly young houseplant species. Only in the last two decades have the tropical plants been cultivated in gardens and are highly valued as houseplants. The pinnate leaves grow like ferns from the storage organs and are shiny dark green. Due to the low demands on care, the green plant is becoming increasingly popular and is finding more and more fans. Zamioculcas is slightly poisonous in all parts of the plant and should therefore be cut and repotted with gloves.

The popular indoor plant Zamioculcas comes from tropical areas and impresses with its graceful shape and low maintenance requirements. With the robust green plant, you can quickly create a unique tropical feeling in your home. As a solitary plant, the plant, also known as Zamie, sets special accents and creates a special picture with chic pots. The arum plant forms thickened rhizomes that act as water reservoirs and thus ensure that the plant can survive for a long time without watering. With the dark green, glossy leaves, the beautiful plants are attractive all year round and flowers are rather a rarity.

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In which location does the lucky feather feel most comfortable?

Zamioculcas zamiifolia prefer a light and warm spot in the house that is best in partial shade and no direct midday sun. Normal room temperatures are ideal, preferably above 18 °C all year round. In the summer months, the green plant can be in a shady place in the garden or on the balcony, avoid direct sunlight here as well.

However, to avoid leaf burns, gradual acclimatization to outdoor conditions is important. The tropical plant should be back indoors from the end of August, because temperatures below 15 °C lead to stunted growth and lightening of the leaves.

In locations with a lot of light, the leaves are significantly lighter than in dark locations. Thus, the green plant adapts to the light conditions.

Our gardening tip: The leaf beauties are ideal as room climate plants. This means that they effectively produce oxygen from carbon dioxide and filter pollutants from the air. This makes the easy-care houseplants ideal for bedrooms or offices.

How do I care for my lucky feather?

Zamioculcas are extremely easy to care for, apart from need-based watering and the regular use of fertilizer, there are hardly any care measures. You can rinse off small plants once a year in the shower with lukewarm water. If the plants are too big and unwieldy for this, wiping the leaves with a damp cloth will help. This will remove the dust and help the plant develop well. A pruning is not necessary for the upright growing plants, unless the lucky feather has grown too big and has to be shortened. As a result of standing water, leaves can turn yellow, they are removed and watered less.

What is the best way to water my lucky feather?

Zamioculcas zamiifolia need a steady water supply. It is important that waterlogging never occurs and that excess water is poured off 15 minutes after watering. How often you have to water the lucky feather depends largely on the room temperature, the sunlight and the size of the pot. Basically, only little to moderate watering should be done. Standing water damages the plant and the roots turn brown within a short time.

How do I fertilize my lucky spring?

As a potted plant, Zamioculcas need regular fertilizer to form new shoots. A special indoor plant fertilizer is ideal for fertilizing, which is enriched with important growth and vital substances and helps the plant to look healthy and fresh. Fertilize your Zamioculcas with liquid fertilizer every 6 weeks from March to October and every 8 weeks during winter. Fertilizing with fertilizer sticks is easy to handle. With this convenient long-term fertilization, your lucky feather is supplied with all the necessary nutrients, minerals and trace elements for 3 months.

How do I repot my Zamioculcas?

For a good development it is important that you repot your large plants every 2 to 3 years in the spring. Use a high-quality and structurally stable green plant soil (pH value 6 to 6.5) for this. Choose a pot that is 5 to 7 cm larger and put a thin drainage layer of expanded clay in the new pot first. In this way you prevent harmful waterlogging and give your green plants the best conditions. If you buy the Zamioculcas fresh, they are usually in a tall culture pot. Depending on the age of the plant, it is advisable to repot immediately or after a while.

What pests and diseases can the Zamioculcas get?

Zamioculcas zamiifolia are robust green plants, which are rarely attacked by diseases and pests in the optimal location. The following pests can occur:

spider mites

The affected leaves have silvery dots on the upper side and webs are visible on the underside of the leaves. The infestation often occurs in winter when the indoor air is warm and dry. It is usually sufficient to spray the plants with water and treat them with plant strengtheners. These bio-active agents contain natural plant extracts that contribute to the vitalization of the plant. You can prevent an infestation by increasing the humidity. A nearby indoor fountain or regular spraying of the plant with low-lime water helps.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about Zamioculcas

What can be the reason for brown or yellow leaves on Zamioculcas?

Too much water is usually the reason for yellow or brown leaves. Furthermore, a location that is too cold or drafts can lead to lightening of the leaves or browning. Older plants develop dry shoots or brown leaves over time. This is a natural process and not a cause for concern. Remove the old leaves with a sharp knife. Direct sunlight causes burns on the leaves. Change conditions quickly and look for a bright location without intense sun.

How can Zamioculcas zamiifolia be propagated?

The simplest method of propagation is division. The best time for propagation is spring. To do this, remove the plant from the pot and gently pull the plant apart. Cut through the fleshy roots (rhizomes) with a sharp knife. It is important that each new part of the plant has at least 1 to 2 stems. Finally, pot the new plants in small planters with high-quality green plant soil. Young plants should not be divided yet, wait until a large number of new leaves have formed on the green plant.

Is the lucky spring suitable for hydroponics?

Zamioculcas are best kept as hydro plants. It is important that the water level indicator is always at the minimum. Too much water is particularly harmful to the plant.

Are Zamioculcas poisonous?

In all parts the Zamioculcas is poisonous. Basically, these houseplants are among the slightly poisonous plants, but it is better if you wash your hands afterwards when caring for Zamioculcas. Keep the plants away from small children and pets. The piston-like inflorescences in particular look tempting, so it is advisable to remove them immediately.

How big can the lucky feather get?

If the green plant feels good and regularly drives new shoots, the houseplant can reach a height of 1 to 1.50 m.

What does the Zamioculcas flower look like?

A member of the aroid family, a zamioculcas has an inconspicuous flower. The cob can be up to 5 cm in size and is surrounded by a bract.

Are there any special varieties of Glücksfeder?

In addition to the green variant, there are two varieties that stand out due to their dark, almost black foliage. The varieties Zamioculcas ‘Raven’ and ‘Supernova’ are not continuously available as rarities. With a little luck you can buy these special Zamioculcas. The demands on the Zamioculcas care and the substrate are identical. Also, both peculiarities bloom only rarely. Are you looking for a gift for Easter or Christmas? Or would you like to give your mother-in-law or the host a little something? This pretty houseplant is perfect for that.

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