- January 15, 2019
- Houseplants
- Lyudmila Storozhenko
Among the many plants grown at home, the dollar tree attracts special attention. This beautiful plant is deep green in color. Many people believe that this plant brings wealth and prosperity to the home. For this reason, flower growers try to grow this flower themselves. How to care for a dollar tree, photos of how this plant blooms will be discussed further.
Description
What is the correct name for a dollar tree? This question interests those who are planning to grow a flower at home. The fact is that there is still a money tree. This is a completely different plant. It is also called Crassula. The dollar tree is called Zamioculcas. Such a stir around the presented plant is caused by the claim that it brings good luck and wealth to the house. For unmarried girls, the flowering of zamioculcas foretells an imminent marriage. Therefore, many representatives of the fair sex strive to make the dollar tree bloom at all costs (a photo of how this plant blooms is presented below).
Zamioculcas got its popular name because of its glossy dark green leaves. They are beautiful and quite meaty. With quality care, the height of the plant can reach 1 m or more. The root system of the dollar tree is tuberous. It accumulates water, which helps the plant in natural conditions to survive the period of drought. The dollar tree and the money tree are largely similar in their specific qualities.
Flowering of the dollar tree (see photo in the review) can be observed quite rarely at home. During this period, the flower produces an ear of light yellow, pinkish or white color. On the outside it is covered with a sheet. This is the flower of the plant. It can reach a length of 8 cm and does not have high decorative qualities.
It is worth noting that the currency tree is a relatively new plant. It began to be cultivated as a houseplant relatively recently, since 1996. Zamioculcas grows naturally in Africa. Accordingly, the room’s preferences for the variety remained similar to the wild plant.
Folk signs
It is not for nothing that Zamioculcas is also called the “dollar tree”. The flower attracts wealth into the house and is able to gift the person who cares about it with brand new green bills.
Previously, the plant was very expensive, and it was always given as a gift, wishing for prosperity. Usually such a gift is presented to the head of the family, because he is considered the main breadwinner.
But if you want the sign to work 100%, you should grow the bush yourself. Since this is a long story, you will have to wait for more than one year for wealth. True, the appearance of each new piece of paper indicates either the repayment of a debt, or a win in the lottery or any other income. If the ward begins to fade and shed its leaves, you know that financial troubles will soon break out.
Flowering conditions
Considering how the dollar tree blooms, the photo of which is presented below, it is worth noting that this rarely happens. Zamioculcas blooms approximately once every 5-6 years. Therefore, many beliefs and signs are associated with this phenomenon. At a young age, the plant blooms extremely rarely. This process can be accelerated by providing the plant with the right conditions.
Knowing how often a dollar tree blooms, it is still impossible to predict how long it will take for the plant to bloom for the first time after purchase. In some specimens this can happen within a few months. However, more often you will need to wait several years for this moment. It is worth noting that zamioculcas blooms only if its root system is well developed. Having accumulated strength, the plant can release an arrow with a cob.
It is possible to speed up the onset of the flowering period only if you create the right conditions for growth for Zamioculcas. The more comfortable they are, the faster the roots will strengthen. The following indicators are important:
- temperature;
- location;
- the importance of air;
- lighting.
These are four main parameters that affect the speed of the onset of the flowering period. If the conditions for the growth of zamioculcas are not comfortable enough, it may not bloom at all. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to this issue.
Zamioculcas – 140+ photos
If you want to know more about what Zamioculcas looks like, we suggest you look at the selection of photos on this page. This will help you better navigate when choosing a specific indoor plant in a flower shop or online catalog, and will also give you the opportunity to decide whether to use it in the design of a particular room.
Zamioculcas plants grow faster when multiple rhizomes are grown together. The most common methods of propagating zamioculcas plants are rhizome division or leaf cuttings. For such a plant, propagation indoors using seeds is a very labor-intensive process.
Looking at the photo of Zamioculcas, you can see that these are herbaceous plants growing from a succulent potato-shaped rhizome from 45 to 60 cm in height. They are generally evergreens, but can become deciduous in drought conditions.
Air temperature and humidity
Why doesn't the dollar tree bloom? Perhaps it grows in inappropriate conditions. First of all, the green beauty should be provided with a comfortable ambient temperature. This plant is a succulent. Therefore, Zamioculcas is thermophilic. Its natural habitat is the hot climate of Africa. Temperature conditions are important for the proper development of the root system.
In summer there are usually no problems. Even in the heat of +35 ºС the plant feels excellent. But in winter, problems may arise. It is unacceptable for the temperature to drop below +16 ºС during this period. And it would be better if it was even higher.
It is worth noting that in hot weather the plant usually does not have problems with watering. It stores moisture, which it gradually uses up with the onset of a slight drought.
To see your dollar tree bloom as quickly as possible, you should also pay attention to air humidity. It shouldn't be too high. Zamioculcas is an ideal option for landscaping an apartment with low air humidity.
However, to maintain the spectacular appearance of this plant, you need to periodically wipe its leaves with a damp cloth. This way the dust is washed off from them. If the brightness of the plant’s color has noticeably decreased, you should spray its leaves and then wipe them. The decorative qualities of the plant after this procedure are noticeably increased.
Unpleasant phenomena - what to do?
A flowering dollar tree is a wonderful addition to your home decor, even if there are no buds on it. Fleshy leaves filled with moisture attract the eye and delight the heart. The flower is unpretentious and quite hardy to unfavorable conditions. But still, he is not immune from diseases, the main cause of which is inept care of the plant.
Often the dollar tree turns yellow, which worries its fans. Fortunately, this phenomenon is not always caused by a disease. Since the flower grows very slowly, the old leaves first turn yellow and then die. In their place, new ones appear, which indicates the normal process of development of Zamioculcas. If this does not happen, the reason may be due to the following factors:
- insufficient watering;
- draft;
- sudden change in temperature;
- the appearance of pests.
In this case, it is advisable to take action and eliminate the main problem of the flower’s suffering. And then the magnificent dollar tree can become the calling card of a home where love and kindness flourish.
Location, lighting
Some gardeners are interested in whether the dollar tree blooms at home. The answer to this question is yes. But to achieve this result, you need to provide proper care. For a plant to become a real interior decoration, you need to put a lot of effort into it.
It is worth saying that Zamioculcas can grow even in partial shade. However, it requires a lot of light to bloom. To do this, the flower must be placed on the southern windowsill. But it is worth considering that the dollar tree does not tolerate direct sunlight. Burns may appear on the leaves. Therefore, you need to create shading on the window. Otherwise, the flower will wither and unsightly spots will appear on the leaves.
It is worth considering that Zamioculcas grows to impressive sizes. While the dollar tree is still young, it can be left on the windowsill. But over time this will become impossible. Therefore, it is best to place it on the floor, but near a light source. Zamioculcas should not be limited in space. To see how a dollar tree blooms at home, you can take the flower to an insulated loggia or balcony. When nothing limits him, he develops harmoniously and quickly.
If after moving the flower there is not enough light for it, you need to consider installing an artificial lamp. It is best to use LED lamps for these purposes.
Dollar Tree Varieties
Zamioculcas is very popular not only with flower growers, but also with breeders - they have developed several interesting varieties.
Big Liv yellow (Big leaves var. yellow). This is a very rare variety of Zamioculcas with yellow leaves. At first glance, it seems that the plant is sick and is about to shed its leaves. But no - this is its varietal feature. But its petioles are light green with a purple tint, which makes it even more exotic.
Bug. This is the smallest of all existing varieties - its height does not exceed 30 cm. Its petioles are leafy from the very base, the leaves are dark green.
Zamicro. The very first short hybrid, obtained by breeders in 2007. The height of the bush is about 60 cm. The leaves are much smaller than those of the species plants.
Zenzi. Another low-growing variety - its height also does not exceed 60 cm. The petioles of the leaves are very thick at the base, and the leaves themselves are dark green in color. The variety cannot tolerate waterlogging - it must be watered very carefully.
Lucky. Its main feature is the perfectly rounded shape of the leaves. The plant is up to 55 cm high, grows very quickly - with good care it reaches the size of an adult plant in just a matter of months.
Lucky White (lucky white). This is the most famous variety of the variegated series. Its leaves have a beautiful marble color - cream and yellow spots and streaks are scattered across the green background. The plant is compact, 30 - 40 cm high.
Super Nova. This variety is a luxurious giant up to 1.5 m high. Its petioles are powerful, with an abundance of emerald green leaves.
Black Raven. Its leaves and shoots are so dark in color that from a distance they appear black. At the same time, young leaves are colored light green. The plant looks very extravagant! The bush reaches a height of 75 cm.
Watering and fertilizing
How the dollar tree flower blooms is known to those gardeners who follow all the rules for growing it. It is important to water Zamioculcas according to its needs. A dollar tree can survive without irrigation for more than a week. Therefore, the plant is suitable for those owners who may be on the road frequently.
The plant should be watered abundantly, but only after the soil is completely dry. If the frequency of watering is increased, the dollar tree tuber may begin to rot. For this reason, moisture should not stagnate in the tray and in the pot itself. Overdrying the soil for this plant is not as dangerous as excess moisture. You must definitely remember this.
You will be able to see a dollar tree in bloom sooner if you carry out periodic feeding. The plant needs additional fertilizer during the period of active growth. Therefore, the dollar tree is fed once every 2 weeks. Nutrient formulations for cacti or other succulents are suitable for this.
If in winter the temperature drops to 18ºС, stop watering and feeding. If the soil is completely dry, you can water the plant, but you need to keep it in a warmer room. Otherwise, the root will also rot. This will lead to the death of the plant. To prevent this from happening, you can place a heater in the room where zamioculcas grows.
Dollar tree diseases
Root rot. The main problem of Zamioculcas is related to watering - with excess moisture, their roots rot. The problem can be recognized by fading shoots and yellowing leaves.
When caring for zamioculcas, the most important thing is to water it correctly. Photo: @shvets-production, pexels.com
You can save the plant if you start treatment at the very beginning. The first step is to remove the plant from the pot and remove the rotten roots. After that, the remaining ones should be washed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, dried and planted in a new pot with fresh soil.
Transfer
When considering how a dollar tree blooms, as well as how to speed up the onset of this period, it is worth paying attention to the transplanting rules. This procedure must be performed carefully. The fact is that the tubers of the plant are quite vulnerable. When transplanting, they can easily be damaged. Therefore, the procedure is carried out carefully and without haste. By damaging the root system, you can not only worsen the condition of zamioculcas, but also get a weakened plant that is not able to survive even in comfortable conditions.
A dollar tree needs to be replanted in three cases:
- Two weeks after purchase. Plants are delivered to the store in temporary containers. The containers are filled with peat, which will need to be replaced with a nutrient substrate. Zamioculcas cannot be replanted immediately. It must first adapt to the growing conditions in your home.
- Once a year, a young plant that is actively developing requires replanting. The pot in which the dollar tree will now grow should be slightly larger than the previous container.
- If the roots of an adult plant fill the entire pot, replanting is also required. In this case, the rhizomes will protrude from the container, completely filling the entire earthen lump.
It is best to perform the transplant procedure in the spring. The plant will feel better in a ceramic or clay pot. Plastic may not withstand the pressure of growing roots.
A drainage layer must be placed at the bottom. It is better to purchase the substrate at a trusted florist store. It is best to purchase a soil mixture intended for cacti. It is recommended to add fine-grained expanded clay to the soil. It will add breathability to the soil.
In order not to damage the fragile roots, transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method. The plant is taken out of the pot along with a lump of earth. Next, you need to carefully install it in the prepared container. The top tubers should be bare approximately 1 cm.
It is worth considering that the work is performed with gloves. The juice of this plant is poisonous. Therefore, if it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause itching and irritation. If this happens, you need to wash your skin with plenty of running water.
Is it possible to keep Zamioculcas at home and why is it called the flower of celibacy?
It is unclear where the roots of this sign come from. And the superstitions themselves regarding Zamioculcas are quite contradictory. After all, along with the flower of celibacy, it is also called women's happiness.
Let's figure out why there are so many legends around zamiks.
Rarely blooms
It is believed that a woman will get married as soon as the zamioculcas blooms. However, not every flower produces an inflorescence: for this, the plant needs to create ideal conditions, and besides, it blooms towards the end of its life. On average, the plant lives up to 10 years.
Looks like spathiphyllum
In a number of sources, Zamioculcas is called the flower of celibacy because its inflorescence is similar to the spathiphyllum flower, which is supposedly a muzhegon. However, a contradiction is revealed here: on the contrary, spathiphyllum is advised to be given to girls and women in order to find happiness in their personal lives and have children.
Poisonous
Some claim that zamik is poisonous for men. The plant does contain toxins, but they are no less harmful for women than for men. To prevent the flower from harming your health, it is enough to wear protective gloves during pruning, replanting and propagation, and also keep it away from the foods you eat.
Woman's happiness
It’s absurd, but according to signs, zamioculcas can, on the contrary, attract men into a woman’s life. And all for the same reasons as to repel them: only the most caring housewife can create ideal conditions for the plant to bloom. This means you should be lucky in your personal life.
As you can see for yourself, there is little logic in such superstitions, so you should not believe them and deprive yourself of the pleasure of having an easy-to-care and at the same time charming plant at home.
The main thing is to follow safety precautions when manipulating it so as not to cause an upset stomach. And also keep the flower away from children and pets.
Reproduction
The flowering of the dollar tree cannot be called particularly decorative. However, many strive to see it on their Zamioculcas. This plant will be an excellent gift for flower lovers. The dollar tree is propagated by cuttings, leaves or tuber division.
If the plant is mature, you can propagate it by cuttings. A cutting is cut from a branch bare below. There should be a small bud on it. The knife must be sharp and clean. Otherwise, the cuttings will rot. The cut stem needs to be shortened. To breed zamioculcas using this method, you need a small cutting with a bud and a leaf.
The cut areas should be sprinkled with activated carbon. The cuttings are dried for several hours. Next, prepare a small container into which vermiculite is poured. A cutting is installed in it. The first roots will appear no earlier than in 2 weeks. Sometimes you need to wait a month until the root system forms on the cut cuttings. The substrate must be periodically moistened without allowing it to dry out completely.
Features of variegated forms of succulent
Variegated forms of Zamioculcas are considered more capricious to grow . In part, this is true. The changed color of the spots (yellow, white) indicates that the leaf has fewer green areas that are actively involved in the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, such a plant has increased light requirements throughout the year. In addition, such varieties are more vulnerable to pests and diseases, unfavorable environmental factors (waterlogging, low temperatures, drafts).
Tuber division
You can wait quite a long time for the dollar tree to bloom. However, the beauty of this plant forces many gardeners to grow Zamioculcas for interior decoration. You can propagate this plant by dividing the tuber. To do this, you will need to divide the root system of the plant and replant it in separate containers. This is easy to do if the plant is already mature.
It is necessary to estimate the size of each rhizome. The size of the container into which the cutting will be transplanted should be a couple of centimeters wider than the tuber. In this case, you need to choose shallow containers.
Dollar Tree Pests
Spider mite. At the initial stage of infection, it is not easy to detect - the pests are very small. But if numerous light dots begin to appear on the leaves, it’s clearly him. When heavily infested, plants become covered with cobwebs.
The drugs Kleschevit and Fitoverm will help to cope with the pest (3).
Aphid. This pest is clearly visible on plants and cannot be confused with anyone else. With a large population, it can cause great harm, even leading to the death of Zamioculcas.
The preparations Biotlin Tanrek, Karate or the biological preparation Fitoverm will help to cope with aphids (3). Apply pesticides according to instructions.
Scale insects. These insects are covered with a durable shell, settle on all common plants and are not easy to deal with.
The first thing to do is remove the insects with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Then wash the plant with soapy water. And then treat the bush with Actellik (3).
Leaf propagation
Zamioculcas also reproduces by leaf. This is one of the easiest ways. However, it will require more time than other methods. You need to separate a small leaf from the branch. It is deepened into loose soil or peat. The soil needs to be slightly moistened.
It is best to plant several leaves in the ground at once. This way the probability of obtaining planting material will be higher. The container with seedlings should be placed on a well-lit windowsill. It is necessary to create shading that protects from direct sunlight.
To obtain a tuber this way, you will need to wait several months. To speed up this process, you need to cover the container with leaves with polyethylene. This creates greenhouse conditions for the seedlings.
General characteristics of the plant
Zamioculcas is an evergreen succulent with beautiful fleshy leaves.
Zamioculcas belongs to herbaceous plants of the Arronica family. This category includes spathiphyllum, callas, philodendrons and others.
The main feature that allows you to easily distinguish Zamioculcas from other plants is the presence of many complex pinnate leaves located on the tuber . They have a rich green color and are slightly glossy. During flowering, a small cream-colored cob , covered with a light green petal.
