Zamia

Class

Monocotyledonae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Genus

Zamioculcas

Species

zamiifolia

Description

Rhizomatous evergreen perennial plant with an erect habit, the verticality of which is conferred by the stems bearing glossy, thick, waxy-looking leaves that confer high ornamental value. Used as an indoor species, it is very easy to grow and is resistant to drought. Slow growing, it makes two vegetations per year where it develops new leaves, which are completed in about 3 months.

Flowering, which occurs under certain environmental conditions and in the adult plant, takes place in spring-early summer, displaying an inflorescence formed by a peduncle and a spatice.

Curiosities and special features

The thick, waxy leaves as well as the fleshy-looking petioles and developed rhizomes allow the Zamioculcas to reduce transpiration and accumulate water, thus resisting drought.

It can also be used as a cutting frond by detaching the leaf and placing it in a glass vase with only 1 cm of water.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the range extending from Kenya to KwaZulu-Natal where it grows in the seasonally dry tropical biome. It was first described in the late 1800s by Conrad Loddiges and his son George, British nurserymen and botanists who were experts in importing exotic plants. Since the 1990s Zamioculcas has been highly successful in cultivation and sale as an indoor plant, partly due to its drought resistance and ease of maintenance.

Leaf

The evergreen, smooth, waxy-looking leaf is imparipinnate, composed of eliptical-oval or lanceolate leaflets with conspicuous veins.

Leaf colour

The leaf blade may be tiger-coloured, solid-coloured, depending on the variety. In general, the Zamioculcas has shiny dark green leaves on the upper page while the lower ones are lighter green in tone.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies between 0.2 and 0.9 m, depending on the growing conditions. Although Zamioculcas reaches a maximum height, it does not occupy much space as its development is mainly vertical.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

In relation to its climatic requirements and the size it reaches, it is suitable as a pot plant , indoor tubs, porches.

Stem

The stem is succulent with an upright Plant habit.

Growth

A compact Growth plant, perfect for pots, even columnar or parallelepiped-shaped ones, where it takes on a role as a focal point with high ornamental value.

Plant habit

The vegetative habitus is erect where verticality is conferred by the development of the leaf segments.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic pH of the medium, with optimum values between 6.0 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following types of exposure: light source indoors, half-shade, shade.

For suitable vegetative growth it is recommended to place it in bright indoor locations but away from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours; alternatively it can be placed in half-shade but without over-watering.

Ideal climate and temperature

It adapts well to hot summer climates. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 38 °C for proper development. The vital temperature is between 8 and 40 °C. If the temperature falls below the ideal minimum value, it is advisable to moderate watering as the Zamioculcas' ability to withstand lower temperatures is related to the wetting of the cultivation substrate.

Use

Due to its ability to tolerate drought and shady exposures, Zamia is a widely cultivated and appreciated plant in:
Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

It is characterised by itshigh rusticity. Very versatile, it adapts to different indoor positions and requires little cultivation care.

Soil

Use a new, high-quality substrate that is specific for green pot plants and ensures proper drainage of excess water.

Difficulty

The Zamioculcas' fame and success as an indoor plant also stems from its easy cultivation and the low level of effort required for maintenance.

Growing tips

Some specific and useful cultivation tips
Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

Suitable either as a single plant or in homogeneous groups as well as associated in pots of a suitable size with other indoor species with the same cultivation requirements such as Dieffenbachia, Dracena and Pothos.

Propagation

Multiplication is by leaf cutting.

Repotting

Carry out potting if the development of the plant, in particular the rhizomes, exceeds the size of the pot.

Utilizzare un contenitore di dimensione leggermente maggiore e un substrato nuovo, specifico per piante verdi da vaso.

Watering

Water the substrate directly in moderation, avoiding waterlogging. The amount of water to be given is directly proportional to the climatic conditions during the seasons: in winter if temperatures fall, limit watering while during the warmer period, in the case of low humidity, light foliar sprayings but with non-cold, non-calcareous water may be useful.

It is a plant that tolerates water scarcity, any drought stress will show with dull, greyish foliage.

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, fertilise by first moistening the medium and applying a specific fertiliser for green plants to be diluted in the Irrigation water. Do not exceed doses and application frequencies.

Pet safety

Toxic plant if ingested. Causes irritation.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Causes toxicity if swallowed.

Causes external irritation such as to eyes and skin: use gloves when handling.

Tip

For good growth, keep the plant in light areas indoors. Conversely, you can also keep it in dark, cold areas as long as you do not water the plant for several months. When it really needs water, the foliage becomes dull and greyish.