Zamioculcas

Trendy Zamioculcas houseplants

The Zamioculcas, also known as ZZ Plant, is a relatively new star in the world of houseplants. Since 1996, this African beauty and its glossy, dark green leaves have been a much sought-after addition to any living room. Originally, the Zamioculcas comes from Zanzibar, Kenya and Madagascar. This houseplant owes its popularity in recent years to its striking appearance and unrivalled ease of maintenance. With its ability to store water in its roots and stem, you don't need to water it often. But beware: the Zamioculcas has sturdy roots that grow quickly and require regular repotting.

Watering the Zamioculcas

The Zamioculcas stores water in its roots and stem, so it needs little water. In summer, the soil can stand dry for a week; in winter, it may even do so for 2 to 4 weeks. Let the soil dry completely before watering again. Too much water can lead to root rot, so be careful with the amount. If you notice leaves that are discoloured, check the soil: too much or too little water may be the cause.

Watering the Zamioculcas

Watering is not strictly necessary for the Zamioculcas, but it helps to remove dust from the leaves and can deter pests. If you have the plant close to a heater, regular watering is a good idea to increase humidity.

The best location for the Zamioculcas

The Zamioculcas is versatile in terms of location, but likes semi-shade without too much direct sunlight. Turn the plant regularly so that it grows evenly. If you want to put the Zamioculcas in a sunny spot, build up the exposure slowly to avoid burning. Too much light can cause the plant to overgrow, while too little light slows growth. The Zamioculcas can also be placed outside or in a greenhouse, but make sure the temperature does not go below 10°C.

Repotting the Zamioculcas

Because of its strong roots, you should repot the Zamioculcas regularly, ideally once a year. Choose a pot that is at least 20% wider than the previous one and use regular potting soil. A larger pot will provide a better water buffer, so you will need to water less often. Avoid hydro pellets on the soil.

Giving the Zamioculcas extra nutrition

Give the Zamioculcas an extra feeding boost in spring and summer. Avoid feeding in winter, when the plant is less active and cannot absorb nutrients properly. Use regular plant food and follow the recommended amounts to avoid root problems.

Help! The leaves of my Zamioculcas are discoloured

Discoloured leaves can indicate too much or too little water, or overexposure to sunlight. Check the soil and adjust care accordingly. You can cut off ageing leaves to give the plant a fresh look.

Pruning the Zamioculcas

Pruning is usually not necessary, but you can remove yellow or old leaves to make the plant look nicer and save energy. If the plant gets too big, you can cut off the offshoots.

Propagating the Zamioculcas

The Zamioculcas is easy to propagate by taking cuttings or tearing off the roots. Cut off a stem and plant it in moist soil, or tear the roots when repotting and plant the parts separately.

Is the Zamioculcas a poisonous houseplant?

Yes, the Zamioculcas is mildly toxic. Make sure children and pets do not nibble the leaves and wash your hands after contact. The sap can cause irritations.

Common diseases of the Zamioculcas

The Zamioculcas is generally resistant to diseases and pests. In case of problems, you can rinse the plant with lukewarm water or treat it with a pesticide if necessary.

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