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Zamiokulkas, full name Zamiokulkas Zamiifolia, is becoming an increasingly popular plant even in our latitudes. It’s no wonder; anyone who has ever had it at home knows that caring for it is truly simple. It doesn’t need much moisture and is often referred to as the plant for lazy housewives. Zamiokulkas originates from distant Madagascar, but very quickly spread throughout the world.
You’ll likely find it in almost every florist here
The plant is very hardy, suffers from almost no diseases and does not need much moisture. It’s enough to water it only once every 14–20 days. However, watering must be adjusted to the season. While in summer you should water approximately once every 10 days, in winter the watering periods are extended. Despite the surprisingly low water supply, ZAMI — as we affectionately call it — is beautifully green and its glossy leaves adorn our homes.
Why shouldn’t it be missing from your home?
Zamiokulkas is considered a sacred plant in some cultures. People believe that its presence in a home brings luck and money. In Malaysia there is a conviction that this plant should not be missing from any household and neighbors propagate plants for each other so that it reaches every home. Feng Shui also knows Zamiokulkas as an exceptional plant that adds positive energy to a place.
Moreover, it is said that its emerald leaves represent the most beautiful and fullest shade of green that we can encounter in nature. Therefore Zamiokulkas is considered a generous gift of nature that should remind people of its beauty and strength.
Although we cannot confirm the magical properties of this plant, one thing is clear — it suits every interior and thanks to its low-maintenance care and resilience you can enjoy it for years. ZAMI spreads quickly and is easy to propagate. From one plant you can therefore multiply as many other plants as you wish.
How to propagate it?
The easiest way to propagate Zamiokulkas is by division. The plant grows in the pot in several clumps. Simply separate the individual clumps and plant them into separate pots. Zamiokulkas needs a more airy substrate. Mix ordinary potting soil for houseplants with a little sand and place a drainage layer at the bottom. It is important that the roots do not stand in water when watering, as there is a risk that they will begin to rot.
A natural way Zamiokulkas propagates is by means of leaves. The plant simply drops a leaf and it roots in the soil next to the mother plant. You can try it yourself by simply sticking a leaf into the soil.
Where to place it?
Zamiokulkas should be placed where sunlight falls during the day, but not in direct harsh sun. Although the plant is very resilient and tolerates a wide spectrum of light — from bright to shade — the ideal is to find a spot somewhere in between.
It is advisable to repot the plant approximately once every two years. Occasional fertilizing will also benefit it.
In the summer months fertilize it with a liquid fertilizer approximately once every 20 days. In winter you should fertilize mainly at times when new shoots begin to appear on the plant — that is when the plant expends the most energy. After that you can stop fertilizing for several weeks to months.
