Zamioculcas is a hardy plant that loves heat very much and can withstand a long time without watering. Of course, there are features of flower care, when violated, a natural question arises: why does the zamioculcas turn yellow. In order for a flower to feel comfortable and develop well, it needs to provide certain conditions.
How zamioculcas blooms
Zamioculcas (zamioculcas) is an evergreen exotic plant from the arid family. In everyday life, it is called the dollar tree, because of the round fleshy leaves, similar to crassula - "money tree". Due to its aesthetic qualities, unpretentious maintenance at home, it has gained particular popularity among flower growers.
Zamioculcas has a modified trunk and a powerful root, which looks more like a potato tuber. Unpaired leaves with an erect and thick stem extend from the root. From the stem, the leaves diverge in different directions and have a dark green color. The shape of the leaves is ovoid, the surface is leathery, glossy with shine.
The flower of the zamiokulkas is nondescript, weakly smelling. Cob-shaped inflorescence surrounded by a light green veil. Self-pollination does not occur at home, therefore, after flowering, you need to remove the flower.
When zamioculcas blooms, it is necessary to increase watering and root feeding. Flowering occurs infrequently, for this it is important to create conditions close to natural:
- to be located on the south side;
- infrequent watering;
- fertilizing with fertilizers;
- airing;
- wipe dust off the leaves.
Proper watering and care of zamiokulkas
Zamioculcas, like many southern plants, is able to store moisture for future use. It needs to be watered rarely, but abundantly and to prevent rotting of the root system. Excessive moisture can cause the death of the plant. If the roots rot, the flower cannot be saved.
It is also impossible to keep without water for a long time. This will lead to the fact that the leaves of the zamiokulkas will begin to turn yellow and fall off. The roots of the flower are strong, so you can save it in such a situation - water it well enough and it will begin to come to life, fresh leaves will appear. The plant tolerates dry soil more easily than abundantly moist soil.
It is necessary to water it as the earth dries up, always with settled, slightly warm water. In the hot season, watering once a week, and less often in the winter, since the flower goes into a "sleeping" mode.
Zamioculcas, due to its ability to accumulate moisture, quickly loses its supply of nutrients, therefore, with the arrival of spring and before the beginning of autumn, it must be fertilized twice a month. Nitrogen-free liquid fertilizers are great for the plant. Top dressing should be applied after watering, diluting the concentrate with warm water.
What to do if zamiokulkas leaves turn yellow
Abundant moisture and low temperature leads to the fact that the leaves of the zamiokulkas begin to turn yellow. To solve this problem, it is necessary to reduce watering and place the flower in a warm, well-ventilated area. In summer it can be kept on the balcony, it is not afraid of heat and drafts. Periodically wipe the leaves with water or wash them under a warm shower.
If the stem of the zamioculcas began to rot, it means that the root itself decays. To cope with the problem, you need to dig out the root and remove the affected areas with a sharp knife. Smear the slices with brilliant green or sprinkle with crushed activated carbon. Fully treat the flower with Fundazol and plant in fresh, fertilized soil.
If growth has slowed down, the leaves of zamiocalcus turn yellow and curl, then the reason is stagnation of water in the tuber. Remove the flower from the pot, inspect the root tuber, if it is shriveled, then treat it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and transplant it into fresh soil.
Pulling leaves and a pale color indicate a lack of light - place the plant on a window. Brown spots on the leaves appear with burns - remove the flower from direct sunlight.
How to transplant zamioculcas
The choice of container is of great importance for the transplant of zamiokulkas. When the rhizomes are overgrowing, the plastic pot may burst or warp. A wide and small container with a drainage hole, slightly larger than the flower's tuber, is ideal.
In a large container, there is a danger of waterlogging the soil. In addition, the ground part of the plant will begin to develop only when the roots grow over the entire free volume of the pot.
Young zamioculcas must be transplanted annually, an adult - once every 4-5 years. The transplant should be carried out after winter, when the plant begins to wake up from "hibernation".
Pour a layer of drainage soil into the selected container about 1/4 of the pot, this will not allow excess moisture to accumulate. Carefully remove the plant from the old pot using the transfer method. Place the flower in the center and fill in the ground. Water well and spray with a spray bottle.
The purchased zamioculcas cannot be transplanted immediately, it needs adaptation for at least three weeks. If the plant was bought in winter, then it should be replanted in early spring, carefully monitor the flower, creating comfortable conditions.
Zamiokulkas reproduction methods
Zamioculcas can be propagated in several ways:
- by sheet;
- sheet plate;
- cuttings;
- by dividing an adult plant.
Treat the cut leaf with Kornevin and dry it for 24 hours. It is necessary to plant a leaf in a mixture of peat with sand or a substrate. Water by spraying the ground and the leaf itself two days after planting. After 9-10 weeks, a tuber with roots will appear underground, and after six months new leaves will begin to grow.
Treat the cut leaf plates with "Kornevin" and leave for 2-3 hours to dry. The plate is deepened 3 cm into a wet substrate; a mixture of sand and peat is well suited. Place in a warm place and cover, ventilate so that condensation does not collect. Water by spraying after two days, do not overmoisten the soil. After 9-10 weeks, a tuber is formed, the first shoots with leaves will appear after 10-12 months.
Reproduction of zamiokulkas using cuttings is one of the reliable methods, since several young plants are obtained from one plate and they root well. Cut the cut branch into small cuttings so that there are two leaves opposite each other. Sprinkle the slices with activated charcoal or treat them with Kornevin to improve growth. Plant the cuttings in the same way as the plates themselves. Start spraying a couple of days after planting. Tubers are formed in 9-10 weeks, and young shoots will appear after six months.
The simplest and most reliable way to propagate zamiokulkas is to divide the plant into tubers when transplanting. Get the flower out of the pot, free the tubers from the soil. Divide into the required number of parts so that there is a bud on each tuber, carefully untangle the roots. Plant tubers in small pots. Water three days after planting by spraying. Care for the tubers in the same way as for an adult plant.
It is important to remember that zamioculcas is considered a poisonous plant. It is not harmful to health, but when the juice gets on the skin, it causes itching and redness. Despite this, the plant is popular, does not require special care and looks good in any interior. There is a belief that the dollar flower attracts financial well-being. True or not, you can see for yourself by growing a beautiful exotic plant at home.