Dollar tree - what is the name of the plant species

The dollar tree (zamioculcas) is a plant that has become extremely popular in the past few years. It is grown not only at home, but also in offices, catering, educational and medical institutions. Even one bush of zamiokulkas is able to transform and decorate the interior.

Dollar tree - what is this flower

The homeland of Zamiokulkas is southern Africa. There he was seen for the first time. The dollar tree belongs to the genus of succulents in the Aroid family. It has all the properties of representatives of its genus: it accumulates moisture in the roots, stems and dense leaves. The money tree (bastard) is a distant relative of the dollar tree. They are similar in many ways.

Zamioculcas in the nature of Africa

Short description

Scientific botanical description of zamiokulkas:

• the life form of a plant is a bush, the height of which in a house, apartment or winter garden can reach 1 m;
• stems are short and thickened, the widest part is the lower one;
• roots - tubers partially protruding from the ground;
• leaves are small with a dense skin, glossy sheen of dark green color. The older the leaves, the richer their color. Young leaves are thin light green;
• with proper care, flowering occurs approximately once every 5-6 years. The flowers are original, reminiscent of a beige or yellowish ear of corn, surrounded by a large sepal. It looks both modest and impressive.

Zamioculcas flower

Why is it called the flower of celibacy

In addition to the name dollar tree, zamioculcas has one more thing - a flower of celibacy. Why it is called that is not very easy to explain. It happened so that he drives men away from the house, leaving the girls alone. Perhaps this is happening because outwardly it remotely resembles spathiphyllum, which, according to legends, promises female misfortune in love and drives guys away from home. But most people are inclined to believe that the plant brings happiness to the apartment. However, it is worth playing it safe:

• young unmarried girls should not buy it on their own;
• the best option is to receive a young flower as a gift for a celebration, so it will bring financial well-being to the house and attract a lot of "dollars";
• in order to get as many benefits as possible from zamiokulkas, it is necessary to create conditions for it in which it will bloom. The flowering of the dollar tree is considered a good omen, so girls should definitely not cry.

Varieties

At home, several varieties of the dollar flower are grown, which belong to the same species, but differ slightly from each other.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Zmiokulkas zamielistny - this is just the kind that unites all varieties of a flower. It is most often seen in apartments and offices. He has glossy leaves, fleshy stems, rare beautiful flowers, collected on the cob. Buying a zamielistny zamioculcas, which is easy to take care of at home, looks very impressive.

Zamioculcas variegate (Zamioculcas variegate)

Variegated zamioculcas is also called variegated. He comes from Madascar, in the conditions of an apartment it reaches 1.5 m in height. The arrangement of the leaves is symmetrical and distinct. Leaves are bright green, covered with light spots (hence the second name), pointed tips. It blooms rarely.

Zamioculcas variegate

Lanceolate Zamioculcas (Zamioculcas Lanceolata)

The flower zamioculcas lanceolate received this name because of the elongated leaves of the original lanceolate shape. In indoor conditions, it reaches 60 cm in height.

Zamioculcas lanceolate

Black Zamioculcas Blak

This flower differs from its counterparts in the color of the leaves and stems, they are almost black in color. Otherwise, it is identical to the usual zamiokulkas. Only the emerging young leaves of a light green color become denser and darker as they mature. This dollar tree turns dark in any light. Such an unusual flower will become a real decoration of any interior.

Zamioculcas black with young light green leaves

Regardless of the variety, any dollar tree will decorate the interior in which it is located and give it a touch of elegance and aristocracy.

Proper care of the dollar tree at home

Caring for a dollar tree at home does not cause problems even for novice flower growers. This is another reason that makes the plant incredibly popular and trendy. The most important thing is to observe a few simple conditions that will help you grow a healthy and beautiful bush.

Illumination and temperature conditions

Conclusions about the temperature regime can be made based on the history of the plant and the place of its natural growth (Africa, Madagascar). High temperatures are calmly tolerated by zamiokulkas, it feels quite comfortable even at 30 ° C. In winter, the dollar tree also needs warmth. The room should be no colder than 15 ° C.

Light exposure is not very important for maintaining plant vitality. Both on sunny windowsills and in shaded corners, it will grow and develop normally. However, the bushes located on the north side will look slightly different than those with a lot of bright sunlight. The leaves on them will be smaller.

Watering rules and humidity

The dollar flower tolerates drought better than waterlogging. But still, in the heat it is worth spraying it periodically. The flower should be watered regularly with warm, settled water. The soil should dry out a little between waterings, but not completely dry out. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum, occasionally moistening the ground.

Top dressing and soil quality

Zamioculcas can be safely planted in a special mixture for cacti. The main thing is to make sure that it is loose enough and that it allows water and air to pass through well. You can make the mixture yourself by mixing peat, turf, leafy soil and sand in equal parts. To avoid stagnant moisture and root decay, a good drainage layer is required.

Correctly selected top dressing will ensure the maintenance of the health and appearance of the plant. Fertilizers are applied once every 3 weeks, from the second half of March to mid-September. Complex liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents are suitable.

Flower container size

The pot should not be deep, but wide enough. The entire root system, a layer of soil and drainage should be placed in the flowerpot. It is better to plant the flower in a container made of natural materials (clay, ceramics); you should not use plastic pots.

Dollar tree pots

How zamioculcas blooms

Zamioculcas blooms quite rarely, young plants do not bloom at all. In order for the long-awaited peduncle to form, a number of conditions must be observed:

• a certain temperature regime;
• required air humidity;
• good lighting;
• regular watering;
• systematic fertilization;
• the correct ratio of the size of the pot to the root system of the plant.

In some cases, all the rules are followed, the plant is healthy, bushy, but does not bloom. Then you should give the dollar tree the opportunity to rest and take care of it not so intensively.

Blooming zamioculcas

Growing problems, diseases and pests

Often, flower growers start to panic if some of the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off. But this process is natural and happens periodically. It is worth worrying if most of the leaves or all of them turn yellow at the same time. This may indicate overflow, lack of light, or frostbite. The cause must be identified and eliminated. If the flower begins to fade, then this may be the result of overflow, as a result of which root rot has occurred. This is one of the most common problems.

To prevent the plant from dying, it urgently needs to be transplanted into another pot with a good drainage layer, and the decayed parts should be removed and the root system allowed to dry for 2-3 hours. flower), and the rest is treated with special insecticides.

Caring for zamiokulkas is not difficult and understandable even for a beginner. An unusual, spectacular succulent plant will become a real decoration of any interior. It will delight you with its appearance for several decades. Caring for a dollar tree is easy, and the result is always impressive. Well, when zamioculcas blooms, it is simply impossible not to fall in love with it.