Zamiokulkas or zamia, a hardy indoor plant

October 27, 2021 51 Comments

Zamioculcas is the most hardy of indoor plants. It is very easy to maintain with minimal maintenance, even if we forget to take care of it.

If we are looking for indoor plants that do not need a lot of light, zamiokulkas is the best choice. Its great resistance and rich foliage make it one of the most popular plants for offices and professional spaces, ideal for decorating our home.

And if the name «zamioculcas» sounds quite complex, abroad it is better known as «ZZ plant», which is an abbreviation of the Latin name of the plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). In our country, for the sake of brevity, zamiokulkas is also referred to as zamia.

Native to the tropical forests of Africa, zamiokulkas has an upright growth with long stiff green leaves that have a characteristic sheen. The impressive leaves of zamiokulka grow from the underground rhizomes of the plant found in the soil.

Zamioculcas belongs to the same family as anthurium and spathiphyllum, it is characterized by a slow growth rate and usually reaches a height of 60-80 centimeters.

So let’s look in detail at the most important care tips for zamiokulka in order to keep it healthy, shiny and green at home and in professional areas.

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1. Zamia and Zamioculcas: are they the same plant?

Very often, zamiokulkas is referred to as zamia, however it is worth mentioning that there is another plant with the name «zamia».

At first sight, the name zamiokulkas may seem related to «zamia». The confusion of the names is reinforced by the fact that the leaves of the zamia plant are quite similar to those of the zamiokulka.

But the similarities between the two plants stop there, as the zamia and zamiokulkas belong to different families.

The leaves of zamioculcas (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) come from the rhizomes of the plant that are in the soil

In most cases, the plant we buy as «zamia» is a zamiokulka plant and we can easily recognize it from its rhizomes. We will notice that the leaves of zamioculcas (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) appear through the soil.

In contrast, Zamia (Zamia furfuracea) is related to the chicory plant, and its leaves form uniformly from a central palm-like trunk.

Native to Mexico and Central America, zamia is a hardy plant that grows mostly outdoors.

The long glossy leaves of the zamia reach a height of 1.5 meters and appear from the plant’s conical stem which is low with a height of about 20 centimeters.

The conical central stem and leaves of the zamia plant. (Zamia furfuracea)

2. What position do we choose for the zamiokulkas in the house?

Zamioculcas is extremely hardy and can survive in many different places within our space. It grows best in bright places, where it gives us new shoots.

In low light conditions, zamiokulkas adapts by minimizing its growth while remaining lush and bright.

We avoid placing the zamiokulka in places where the sun hits directly to avoid burns on its foliage.

3. What pots and what potting soil do we choose for the zamiokulka?

Depending on the growth of the zamiokulka, we choose the appropriate pot, 1 to 2 sizes larger than the nursery pot we bought it. From then on, the zamiokulkas will need repotting again after about 2-3 years.

To fill the zamiokulka pot, we use potting soil for indoor plants with enough perlite and pumice in the composition. In this way, we ensure better ventilation and the necessary drainage needed by the root system of the plant to grow smoothly.

How to choose pots for plants

4. How often do we water the zamiokulka?

Zamioculcas has minimal water requirements, especially if it is in a dark place where it grows less and its soil dries more slowly. Even if we forget to water it for a long time, it can survive without problems.

To care for zamiokulka, we water once a month during spring, autumn and winter. During the summer season when high temperatures and hot conditions prevail, we water up to twice a month.

We are careful not to water the zamiokulka more often, because its rhizomes will rot, while yellowing of its foliage may also appear.

It is important that the pot and the soil in which we planted the plant ensure good drainage to remove excess water during watering and that we do not have conditions of excessive humidity.

5. How often do we put fertilizer in the zamiokulka?

Zamiokulkas has low fertilizer requirements.

To help its growth and maintain the deep green color of its leaves, we can add liquid fertilizer for green plants, in early spring, early summer and early autumn.

We avoid frequent fertilizing which can create stress on the plant and blackening of the leaves.

The glossy green leaves of zamiokulka

6. Which insects and which diseases attack zamiokulka?

Zamioculcas is particularly resistant to insect and disease attacks.

In the event that we notice an attack by the cotton insect that creates cotton-like bleaching, and the thrips that causes small drying of the leaves, we spray with an organic preparation of summer pulp.

On a preventive level, we can spray the plants with a solution of green soap by dissolving 1 tablespoon in a liter of water.

7. Does zamiokulkas need pruning?

Zamioculcas is usually not pruned, as if we reduce the height of the shoots by pruning, this does not cause new growth of the foliage as it happens in most plants.

If for aesthetic reasons we want to keep its shape, we can shorten some shoots in the spring.

To care for zamiokulkas, as the plant grows, it is important to remove dry or rotten stems from their base and to remove yellow and blackened leaves.

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8. How is zamiokulka propagated?

Zamioculcas multiplies quite easily by dividing the plant. Specifically, when the rhizomes of zamiokulka have filled the pot suffocatingly, we can divide them and transplant the new plants into pots.

How plants are propagated by division

Alternatively, although more difficult, propagation can be done by cuttings, using a small part of the stem (4-5 cm) that has two leaves.

9. What are the most common problems encountered in the development of zamiokulka?

Zamioculcas can show problems on its foliage such as blackening, yellowing, dust and white spots. Let’s take a closer look at what causes these problems so we can deal with them.

• Why do zamiokulka leaves turn black?

Tanning on the leaves of zamiokulka in the form of spots is observed when direct sunlight hits them. Also, the edges of the leaves may turn black in dry conditions or if we have applied too much fertilizer.

• Why does zamiokulkas show yellow leaves?

Zamiokulka leaves may turn yellow during the winter when it is in low temperature conditions or due to excessive watering and poor drainage of the pot.

Many times, it is normal for the older and lower leaves of zamiokulka to turn yellow due to senescence as the plant grows.

Why leaves turn yellow on plants and how to deal with it

• Why do zamiokulka leaves collect dust and white spots?

To avoid dust and white spots on the zamiokulka leaves and at the same time to revive their deep green glossy color, we clean them at regular intervals with a cloth moistened with olive oil.

10. And a secret about zamiokulka

Zamioculcas is considered a plant that is toxic and can cause problems for cats and dogs. If we have pets in our home or office, we make sure to keep them away so they don’t chew the plants and swallow their leaves.