How to properly prune a dollar tree. Dollar tree or zamioculcas: indoor plant for beauty and prosperity

The dollar tree, or scientifically zamioculcas, is a fairly common plant with which many signs and superstitions are associated. Not to be confused with the money tree, which has thicker, rounder leaves. Came to us dollar tree from the tropical jungles of South Africa and quickly gained popularity around the world.

The plant was named for its fleshy and oblong leaves, similar to banknotes. Dollar Tree tries for financial well-being, even if a person does not believe in superstitions and omens. Therefore you can consider it a great gift for every person.

Zamioculcas is simultaneously considered the flower of celibacy and female happiness. Why such opposite names, you ask? Here's why: the flowering of the dollar tree is similar to the spathiphyllum flower, and according to legend, it drives men out of the house, along with this, this flower on the contrary, it guarantees a faithful life partner and prevents you from remaining lonely.

In order for Zamioculcas to become only an assistant for you in your personal life, you must either receive a gift of a plant already in a pot (and be sure to pay a little money for it), or “steal” a leaf of an adult plant to grow it yourself.

Place the flower in the living room or near your work place, avoid placing it in the bedroom. And do not give the leaves to anyone in the future if they ask for them to grow. You shouldn’t get your hopes up right away - the dollar tree rarely blooms, but requires constant care and attention, although not particularly whimsical.

Is it possible to keep a dollar tree in the house?

Although there are many examples that talk about the bad effects of the flower, this plant is characterized well by gardeners. The only thing you should remember is that its leaves contain poisonous juice, so do not allow children near it and work with it yourself wearing gloves.

Keeping it at home is highly recommended, as the dollar tree shares its energy, helps you sleep peacefully and cleanses the air well. In addition, it always pleases the eye with its bright greenery and interesting flowering form. Although for most people this is still a way to monitor their financial well-being.

Why does a flower bloom?

The plant can bloom only after several years in adulthood. If such an event occurs and you still have zamioculcas in your house, place them nearby, then flowering plant share your energy and strength with them.

There is still no consensus, but here are the most common options for why a dollar tree can bloom:

  • moving to a new home;
  • a quick addition to the family;
  • unexpected inheritance;
  • significant salary increase;
  • harmony and mutual understanding in the family.

I also have one specimen growing, and as soon as I see the beginning of a new branch, I rejoice at my husband: “Okay, that’s it, you and I will get some money this month.” And you know, almost always after some short time our family managed to earn more than usual.

My dollar tree only attempted to bloom once, 2 years after it was given to me as a housewarming gift. Unfortunately, it never managed to grow to full inflorescence; perhaps my breakthrough in financial well-being is still ahead, since quite often new branches with fresh green leaves sprout on it.

Dollar tree according to feng shui

According to the Chinese teachings of Feng Shui, the dollar tree is also considered a method of attracting money and wealth. It is important to consider the location of the flower indoors.

  1. Zamioculcas should only be planted in fresh new soil and should not be transplanted into a pot from another plant.
  2. During planting, place a few coins in the ground, which will transfer their energy to the plant and have a positive effect on its condition and development.
  3. It is better to place the flower on the south-eastern side of the home.

According to Feng Shui, it is customary to give a dollar tree for events that mark something new, such as entering a new home, the beginning of a New Year, or a birthday. And then, according to legend, the plant will increase its positive power several hundred times.

How to plant a flower so that it brings money

There is a ritual that will allow you to attract wealth into your home if you have zamioculcas growing. Roll a dollar bill into cones and attach it to the flower so that it holds tightly, and place a metal coin under the pot.

In addition, some people use “money water” to water their plants. To do this, the coins are poured with cool water and left for a couple of days, and then watered. The coins are not removed until the irrigation water runs out.

If for some reason a flower begins to fade, under no circumstances should it be thrown away. Just treat or buy a second plant - then a healthy dollar tree will enrich the first one with its energy.

Zamioculcas and negative energy

From time to time we notice a black streak in our lives that we just can’t cope with, and this is reflected in our plants. The dollar tree, like no other plant, very sensitively senses the surrounding negative energy, even if a person does not notice it. And if your tree begins to fade or begins to lose its color and freshness, you urgently need to take care of the environment.

Thus, the plant with its entire appearance shows signs that trouble awaits the owner. Listen to your flower and think carefully about your life, maybe you should change something? If you lie to someone, hide something terrible, or quarrel with everyone left and right, then this will definitely affect the Zamioculcas.

If it’s difficult to start with your head and life, start with your home - throw out everything unnecessary, and treat the dollar tree kindly and set it and yourself up for only good things.

Flower care

Most favorable conditions for the plant are:

  • Temperature of at least 15 °C in winter and at least 18 °C in summer.
  • Moderate watering, in which the leaves do not dry out and fall off, and at the same time the roots do not rot from excess water.
  • A little shade is good for the growth of new branches and leaves.
  • Transplantation occurs in early spring, when the moon is waxing, and only if the roots become cramped in the current container. They do not like frequent transplants.
  • Like all flowers, Zamioculcas loves to be talked to and treated as a friend.

The money tree loves one owner, who will take care of it. If there are many people who want to be rich, then you need to create your own source of well-being for each one.

Whether you believe or not in the power of the dollar tree is up to you. But you shouldn’t rely entirely on a flower, because you yourself are the architect of your own happiness. You feed your green talisman with your energy, which pleases you in gratitude with its beautiful healthy appearance.

The dollar tree zamioculcas looks like a crassula - Money Tree, only differs in larger size and massiveness. Both plants symbolize financial well-being; only the fat plant’s task is to take care of family budget, and Zamioculcas - to attract more funds, and in currency, which will become savings and bring income to the owner.

This is how followers of Taoist practice view this home vegetation and give recommendations on how to make a green pet “work” for the benefit of the owner. In turn, flower growers value the dollar tree for its unpretentiousness and spectacular noble appearance. appearance.

The Zamioculcas plant, popularly called the dollar or currency tree, is native to Africa. It is a member of the Aroideae family, the only subspecies of Zamioculcas zamiifolia. He feels good in climatic conditions Europe, Asia, America, Mexico, Australia and Brazil. In Russia it is found as a house or office flower.

It is somewhat reminiscent of zamia - an evergreen relict plant. And the word “zamia” itself has Latin roots and is translated as “losses” or “damage.” In addition, in different parts of the world the flower is found under different names: pearl of Zanzibar, eternal or golden tree, aroid palm. It is also sometimes called the opposite: women's happiness or the flower of celibacy.

The tree appeared in cultivation relatively recently; flower growers learned about it only at the end of the last century. But, it almost immediately became popular in the world of floriculture thanks to sales in Dutch flower auctions world-famous.

Many people liked Zamioculcas because of its high decorative qualities; it is perfect for almost any interior. At good care it grows up to one and a half meters, is a perennial, but its life expectancy does not exceed 10 years.

The plant is a succulent with thick, straight stems. It can store moisture, filling it not only with stems and foliage, but also with tubers. This allows the tree to withstand even prolonged droughts.

The leaves of Zamioculcas are fleshy, with a dark green, glossy surface and pointed ends. They are located in pairs, symmetrically. The succulent blooms rarely, throwing out a short thick peduncle, on which a creamy flower similar to a cob appears. It is enveloped in a blanket of light green, so it is not so easy to notice the flowering of the dollar tree.

Popular types

Selection work with this succulent is still ongoing, and it bore its first fruits in 2007, when botanists developed a miniature bushy tree, Zamicro, based on Zamioculcas zamifolia, whose height was only 40–60 cm.

Zamielifolia

The main type of succulent that is found in the natural environment is Zamioculcas zamifolia, named after the gymnosperm zamia.
popular name– lodgedges.
Botanists first discovered it in the 30s of the 19th century; it is most common in Madagascar. Russian flower growers learned about the dollar tree only at the beginning of the 21st century, when specimens of this exotic plant were imported from Europe.
This one is worth it home flower quite expensive, however, this does not affect its high popularity.
Loddiges looks very impressive, forming a rosette of large feathery leaves. The root system has a large tuber.

Zamielifolia

Boivin

Another representative of the species, which in its homeland, South Africa, is called the “pearl from Zanzibar”. Like the previous species, it prefers to grow on the coast of Madagascar.
The large tuber of the flower, like its other parts, absorbs moisture well, however, the succulent likes regular watering and showers with a spray bottle. Doesn't do well in dry air.
Zamioculcas boivin has beautiful foliage, leathery, emerald green, with smooth edges. Like other representatives, it blooms extremely rarely and this period does not last long.
With good care and frequent feeding, the tree grows significantly, so it is better to plant it in wide, stable containers. Suitable for novice gardeners.


There are also various variations of the dollar tree, however, they are quite rare.

Zamioculcas in the house: pros and cons

There are many superstitions around this succulent; in fact, this can be understood by the abundance of capacious additional names. So what does the money tree, or scientifically, Zamioculcas africanus, promise its owner? It is worth considering the main beliefs associated with it:

Succulent attracts wealth

The appearance of this flower in a house is a good sign; its inhabitants will soon experience an increase in their level of well-being. The Taoist practice of Feng Shui claims that zamioculcas, like a magnet, attracts money into the home.

But for the symbol to work, you need to place a pot with a succulent in the apartment in the wealth zone, which is located in the southeast. Naturally, this place should be suitable for growing tropical vegetation. And also you can put some coins foreign currency under a pot or in the ground.

The Zamioculcas flower is a symbol of female happiness

It is believed that this plant can solve many problems of the fair sex if you place a pot with a dollar tree in the room. It will help a lonely girl find a soul mate or experience the joy of motherhood.

This effect is due to the phallic shape of succulent flowers; there is a popular belief that they can attract male energy. But here there is one caveat - it is advisable not to buy a flower, but to receive it as a gift. It is best if it is presented by a woman who has a happy marriage, this will significantly increase the chances of attracting a worthy, reliable man to the house.

This succulent is a celibacy tree

Why in one case is he credited only positive traits, and in the other - negative? Most likely, the reason for this is the similarity of the foliage of the dollar tree with the leaves of spathiphyllum, which is considered muzhegon.

This is interesting! The surest sign that a green pet is doing its “work” is its flowering, which occurs infrequently in nature, and is extremely rare at home. And if this happens, it means that only good things await the owner ahead: success, good luck in business and on the personal front, happiness. In the case when a person has changes coming, but he just can’t decide on them, and suddenly Zamioculcas blooms - this is a signal that he is on the right path and everything planned will definitely succeed.

Is it worth having something so ambiguous in the house? indoor plant, like the dollar tree, the grower must decide for himself. But, it is important to remember that this is a rather large succulent that needs special care.

Caring for a dollar tree at home

This flower is a succulent plant and usually lovers of such vegetation have no problems growing it. The same conditions suit him as other “thrifty” green pets. Beginners should get acquainted with the features of keeping a tropical guest.

Adaptation period

Experienced flower growers advise: if you bought a zamioculcas, you should give it time to adapt to the new room, air, temperature, humidity and other indicators. As a rule, these succulents are grown in greenhouses, conditions that are as close to natural as possible. Afterwards they are planted in transport soil and a compact container. During the move, trees are tested severe stress and the store or even the owner's home may shed leaves. There is no need to panic - the tree will recover and grow its dollar leaves.

It is not recommended to replant it immediately if the flower is not particularly crowded and is in suitable soil you can wait 3–4 weeks. But when the soil is too oily or, on the contrary, poor, and there is not enough space for the tuber, replanting is indispensable.
The event should be carried out carefully:

  • The plant is removed from the transport tank along with the soil.
  • It needs to be gently shaken and planted in fresh soil and a spacious pot.
  • It is better to avoid watering in the first two to three weeks, and after time, water the succulent carefully - infrequently, in small portions, you can start with spraying.

It is important! Flowers from abroad are most often sold in a transport substrate, which is practically unsuitable for their life and subsequently, in most cases, are not replanted. Therefore, moving the green pet to suitable land could be his salvation.

Suitable lighting

The dollar tree is unpretentious in this matter, it is able to grow in the shade and in the sun, however, the African Zamioculcas, as a true tropical inhabitant, loves bright lighting and in such conditions develops more evenly and quickly.

It is advisable to place the pot with the tree in a well-lit place; in bright, diffused light, the foliage of the succulent will retain a rich green tint. The tree tolerates direct sunlight well, although the leaves become more faded in color.

In winter, a succulent may experience a lack of lighting, so it is advisable to place it closer to a light source, for example, on a south-facing window.

Temperature

It is directly related to the season:

  • in summer the preferred air temperature is +25 - +30 degrees;
  • in autumn – varies from +16 to +22 degrees;
  • in winter - the average is -+16 degrees, a decrease is undesirable;
  • in spring - the temperature should gradually increase, from +16 to +20 - +22 degrees.

It is important! Dropping temperatures are dangerous for the dollar tree. In the cold, the plant not only stops growing, but can get sick and even die.

Soil mixture for Zamioculcas

Like other succulent plants, the dollar tree requires light, nutritious soil. You can purchase a ready-made mixture intended for cacti and succulents, or prepare it yourself by mixing leaf and grain soil, adding peat and coarse sand. It is also recommended to add a little expanded clay chips.

It is important to ensure that excess moisture does not remain in the soil, which can cause the roots and tuber of the tree to rot. To do this, add a layer to the bottom of the pot. drainage material– brick chips, small crushed stone, perlite, vermiculite, pieces of ceramics.
The bottom of the container must have drain holes.

Involuntary and planned transplantation

This succulent has a powerful, strong root system, however, it is easy to damage it, which will lead to the death of the tree. And in order to reduce possible risks, Zamioculcas should be replanted taking into account certain rules and recommendations:

  • The dollar tree is a typical slow-growing succulent, in which new leaves appear no more than 2 times in six months, so the flower does not need frequent replanting;
  • planned transplants should be carried out when the roots of the plant grow - young succulents on average need 1 transplant per year, adults - once every 2-3 years;
  • if a pet is transplanted from a substrate, then this material must be removed carefully, without damaging the roots;
  • the most gentle method is the “transshipment” method; it maximally preserves the integrity of the zamioculcas measles system, which is highly sensitive.

It is important! Do not neglect the “transshipment” method and completely remove the old soil from the roots of the flower. This can cause damage to the roots and subsequent death of the African tree. The exception is transplanting a pet whose root system is infected with rot.

The root system is placed in new pot together with the old soil and sprinkled with fresh soil mixture to the edges of the container. It is not necessary to completely immerse the root in the tank; it is desirable that the tubers are slightly visible on the surface. You can water the transplanted zamioculcas a couple of weeks after the event.

The dollar tree does not tolerate waterlogged soil. This leads to lethargy, yellowing of the foliage and rotting of the roots and tubers. Timely replanting will help save the tropical plant:

  • in this case, you need to remove the root from the soil, clean it without damaging the parts;
  • it is important to conduct a thorough inspection root system and if rotten dark brown areas are found, they should be removed;
  • after this you need to rinse the rhizome under running water warm water and dry thoroughly in the open air;
  • The tree is ready to be transplanted into new soil.

If an emergency transplant is required, then it should be carried out immediately, but it is better to postpone the planned “move” until the spring period - at the end of March - beginning of April. IN winter time the succulent is resting and is not recommended to be disturbed.

Watering mode and humidity level

This succulent accumulates water in all parts and retains it, spending it sparingly when necessary. Like other similar plants, it does not need excessive watering and experienced gardeners note that it is better to underwater zamioculcas than to overdo it. Excessive moisture in winter is especially dangerous.

In summer, the tree is watered once every 5–7 days, in winter, especially if the flower is kept cool, no more than once every two weeks, or even less often. From November to February, you can limit yourself to one watering per month.

The water should be at room temperature, well settled, ideally rainwater.

The plant is not sensitive to air humidity, so no humidifiers or other devices are needed. It is recommended to wipe the foliage with a damp cloth from time to time, removing dust that makes it difficult for air to enter the cells of the leaf plate.

You can give your succulent a monthly shower; this invigorates and refreshes the tropical plant. However, it is important to ensure that no water remains in the container after the procedure; the pot is put back in its original place only when all the liquid has drained from it.

Pruning a succulent

How to prune zamioculcas, and most importantly, does this tropical plant need such a procedure? As it turned out, it is carried out for several reasons:

  • to give the tree any shape, increasing its decorative properties;
  • for rejuvenation of succulents, Bottom part which has become numb;
  • pruning zamioculcas is possible if the owner wants to propagate the dollar tree;
  • damaged or diseased parts of the plant are also cut off.

It is possible to trim all parts of the succulent: rhizome with tubers, leaves with cuttings and individual leaf blades. To reduce injury to the flower, it is recommended to manipulate with a sharp knife or pruning shears. The cut areas are dried and sprinkled with activated charcoal or charcoal powder.

How does the dollar tree reproduce?

Zamioculcas is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and ease of care, the same applies to the propagation of succulents. There are several ways:

Tuber division

An effective method that is very simple and effective. To grow new zamioculcas, it is enough to divide them during transplantation root system trees into 2-3 parts and plant them in different containers. The process algorithm is as follows:

  • After removing the plant from the soil, you should inspect the tuber for the presence of growth points. Each separated part must have at least one so that shoots can subsequently form from it.
  • The rhizome is divided with a sharp blade; it is recommended to sprinkle the shoot sections with charcoal powder - activated or charcoal, and then dry them in the open air.
  • Then the plant is immediately placed in a pot; the soil mixture should be light and sterile. You can make its consistency more loose by adding a little vermiculite to the soil.
  • Part of the tree is immersed in the ground so that the root-leaf boundary is slightly higher above the ground.
  • The planting should be watered only after 3–4 days; in a “dry” mode, the flower will make do with the moisture contained in the flowerbed.

It is important! A zamioculcas tuber that has only one growth bud is not suitable for division. This procedure can lead to the death of the mother plant.

Cuttings

Another method of propagating a tropical plant, which is recommended during the growing season - in the spring. As planting material healthy cuttings are used, and a succulent purchased in the flower department is not suitable for these purposes. The latter is due to the fact that the flower contains a lot chemical substances, stimulating active plant growth, regardless of the season.

The method includes the following steps:

  • You should select a healthy twig, cut it with a sharp knife with a disinfected blade and divide it into several parts.
  • The cuttings are dried in air for 24 hours.
  • The cut site is treated with root and placed in a small container with loose soil; the pot must have drainage holes.
  • It is advisable to provide the twigs with greenhouse conditions by covering them glass containers or film. The planting should be protected from direct sunlight, as condensation may cause the material to rot.

After two weeks, the branches will turn into young plants - with a tuber, roots, shoots, new branches and foliage. You can use fertilizers that activate the growth of new branches.

Reproduction by leaves

Not the fastest, but a fairly simple and effective option for propagating an African tree. The entire process can take from 8 weeks to six months. It is carried out in stages:

  • Using a disinfected blade, you should cut off a large, strong leaf, preferably with a stem. Such material will give roots faster than a young leaf.
  • The leaf dries for 2–3 hours in air, after which the cut is sprinkled with a stimulant drug - Zircon, Kornevin or crushed activated carbon.
  • Some gardeners keep the leaves in water until the roots appear, but most often they are immediately placed with a light substrate and create a greenhouse effect. A leaf without a stem can be placed in clean sand or perlite.
  • A drainage layer should be placed at the bottom of the tank. A couple of times a day you need to open the container and ventilate.
  • Instead of watering, it is recommended to spray the soil and leaves, this will avoid waterlogging and rotting of the planting.

With proper care and appropriate conditions, cuttings and leaves begin to take root after 6–8 weeks.

Fertilizer application: rules and features

You should feed the succulent plant carefully, focusing on the needs of the guest from the tropics. As with watering, it is important not to overdo it:

  • You can fertilize for the first time in the spring, after transplanting the zamioculcas into a pot. During the growing season, a young tree requires many useful substances for proper growth and development.
  • In winter, a healthy succulent does not require fertilizer; fertilizing is applied only if signs of a lack of any elements appear.
  • Starting in spring, the dollar tree is fertilized, but not more than 2 times a month.
  • You can use liquid complex formulations for cacti or succulents.
  • Two methods are used: spraying the above-ground part of the tree with a nutrient solution and watering the roots. The first method is suitable only for healthy plants that do not show signs of disease or depletion.
  • It is recommended to apply products to the soil after watering.

It is important! Zamioculcas should not be fed while buds are setting. After the process is completed, fertilization is resumed.

What fertilizers are suitable for dollar trees? Experienced gardeners advise alternating organic and mineral products:

Organic
  • Litter - suitable for root feeding, a mixture of water and fertilizer (3:1) is infused for 3-4 days, diluted 1:25 with water.
  • Compost is used in the form of mulch, which is spread on the ground in a 2–4 ​​cm layer.
  • Sapropel - fertilizing from lake silt - liquid or granules, which are diluted in water in a ratio of 1:10 before application.
  • Wood ash - diluted in water, 5 tsp. per 1 liter, leave for a week, water with the composition - 0.1 liter per 1 kg of soil.
  • Sawdust is added to the soil as mulch.
  • Peat - placed in a 5 cm layer and mixed with the top layer of soil.

Mineral fertilizers

A lot of different products are produced and each has its own properties that can both harm the flower and support it:

  • Agricola - the composition is rich in various microelements, it is diluted in a liter of water - 0.5 tsp. and applied to the ground once every week and a half. Do not allow the product to come into contact with the above-ground parts of the succulent.
  • Agricola Aqua is a ready-made composition that is used for watering and spraying plants. When using it, the tree grows more actively, flowering and budding last longer.
  • Pokon is a ready-made fertilizer that is considered dangerous for people and animals, so you should only work with it if you have personal protective equipment.
  • Uniflor-growth is a nitrogen-containing fertilizer that has a positive effect on the growth of the above-ground part of the succulent. A solution is prepared from it - 3 ml of the drug per liter of water.
  • Master color is a drug necessary for the prevention of chlorosis.

During the growing season, you can apply fertilizers intended for decorative foliage vegetation. You just need to dilute the product by 2 times, reducing the concentration of active ingredients. The event is held no more than 2 times every 4 weeks.

Basic mistakes when caring for and maintaining a dollar tree

Dollar tree owners are often perplexed as to why such an unassuming succulent does not grow? Yes, the plant is unpretentious, however, it is still important to consider that its natural environment is the arid regions of the tropics and it has certain needs. The following signs should alarm the owner of a Zamioculcas:

Yellowing of foliage

If yellowness affects the lower lobes of old leaves, then we're talking about It's a natural process and there's nothing to worry about. After they die, young shoots appear, from which emerald green leaves unfold.

Sudden yellowing and falling of leaves is a sign that the succulent is drying out. The flower got ready, deciding that there was a drought. If you add moisture in small portions carefully, green part the flower will be restored.

In addition, this can happen during sudden temperature changes, due to drafts, or lack of lighting. Yellowing of the tips indicates that the tree is too hot.

If the young foliage has acquired a yellow color, then most likely the earthen ball has become waterlogged and an emergency transplant is required to save the succulent.

Appearance of spots

Under the influence of direct rays of the sun, burned areas may appear on the foliage of the tree - spots of yellowish-brownish color. Dark spots are a sign of improper care; perhaps the container with the plant is in a draft, cold, or it is not watered correctly.

spotted stem

In this case, more detailed diagnostics are required, since the appearance of spots on the stem can be both a sign of inappropriate maintenance and care, and a symptom of scale insect infection or the development of an infection.

If dark, purple spots appear on this part of the succulent, there is no need to worry - this is biological feature adult flower.

Slow growth

You should not expect rapid growth from a succulent; normally it grows 1–2 leaves per year. You should worry if there is no growth at all. The reason for this may be the following:

  • oily, heavy, clay soil;
  • placing the flower in a container that is too spacious;
  • lack of any substances in the soil.

In most cases, with timely rehabilitation measures, it is possible to save the plant. However, sometimes the malaise of a succulent is associated with disease, then emergency measures are required and treatment of the green pet is mandatory.

Dollar tree diseases

Not all indoor flowers have the same good health and immunity as this African plant. But zamioculcas can also get sick and most often it is affected by the root or stem rot.

It is not so easy to detect signs of damage to the roots, but on the stem the disease manifests itself very clearly - it is covered with wet necrotic spots spreading upward from the root neck.
Symptoms of root rot are as follows: slow growth, flabbiness of the stem, yellowing of the foliage.

If the disease is detected at an early stage, the succulent can be saved by carrying out a complete transplant, replacing the soil and pot, first removing the affected parts or cleaning them to the deep layers. It is recommended to keep the plant for a quarter of an hour in a fungicidal solution and let it dry for an hour and a half. Afterwards the flower is placed in new ground.

Initially, the tree is not watered; after a few days, you can place some water in the pan. The sparing watering regime is maintained for 10–12 weeks.

African succulent pests

Spider mite
Shchitovka

It draws life-giving juices from the plant, and in addition, secretes a sweet sticky liquid that attracts insects that carry viral and bacterial infections. Where the scale insect settles, dark spots appear.

The pet requires treatment - treatment with a soap solution and spraying with insecticides.

Aphid

Most often these small insects suffer from garden plantings, but these pests are also capable of affecting indoor plants. There are many folk remedies from aphids, but they are ineffective and it is better to immediately resort to insecticides - Fitoverm, Decis, Intavir.

Thrips

The most insidious pests from which it is not so easy to get rid of a succulent. Several treatments with different drugs that need to be changed will be required.

Mealybug

People call them hairy lice; they damage both the aboveground and underground parts of flowers, laying eggs in the soil. Therefore, only treating the leaves will not give a positive result. A complete replantation of the succulent is necessary, removing insect nests from the root system.

The tree is removed from the soil, washed with soapy water and then treated with an insecticidal agent.

If the owner knows what to do in this or that case and immediately reacts to the changes that have occurred with the pet, then it is not difficult for him to cure him and help him recover.

Conclusion

Zamioculcas is an incredible plant that is credited with unique properties. It has high decorative properties and adds a special touch to any interior. It is beautiful, spectacular, attracts wealth and prosperity, and at the same time, even a novice gardener can afford it, which makes the dollar tree an even more attractive indoor dweller.

Zamioculcas is an ornamental deciduous plant with very beautiful shiny dark green leaves. Zamioculcas, or the more common popular name for this plant - "Dollar Tree", is included in the Araceae family along with such popular domestic species as Spathiphyllum (flower of Women's happiness) and Anthurium (flower of Men's happiness). Why is this beautiful plant called the Dollar Tree, and can this flower of celibacy (the second common name) really interfere with happiness with your “soul mate”? Below you will find answers to these popular questions, and also learn how to properly care for Zamioculcas at home. Photo and video materials will help novice gardeners to correctly transplant, choose a propagation method, and also effectively get rid of pests or diseases of this indoor plant.

It is important to note that many interior designers very often choose the Dollar Tree along with the ficus benjamina in the form of a tree and the palm-shaped dracaena marginata to form a phytodesign in the home space or for decoration winter garden in a glassed room. The branches growing straight up from the tuber in a pot with substrate are decorated with glossy, pinnately dissected leaves closely spaced. When developing the phytodesign of a room, against the backdrop of lush dark green zamioculcas bushes, such small indoor flowers as homemade Saintpaulia violets, cyclamens with bright butterfly flowers, beautiful pelargoniums, and graceful phalaenopsis orchids with delicate flowers are often placed.

So why is Zamioculcas called the Dollar Tree?

Earth mixture and fertilizing.

The desired soil acidity level is pH 6.0. The soil mixture is made in almost the same way as for cacti and other succulents: leaf soil, turf soil, peat and coarse sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:1 (you can add, but not necessarily, a very small proportion of rotted humus). The mixture in the pot should not be too heavy, but well drained. Be sure to sterilize the mixture before planting to destroy pathogenic viruses and fungi.

During the growing season, you need to feed Zamioculcas once every few weeks, alternating organic fertilizers with minerals. The concentration is half the recommended dose for indoor flowers.

Transfer.

The dollar tree can grow large (up to 1 meter in height), but grows very slowly. It is advisable to replant it no more than once every 3 years, choosing a pot a few centimeters larger in diameter and about 10% higher. There is a hole at the bottom of the pot to drain excess water. Before planting the plant, you need to pour a drainage layer of expanded clay onto the bottom of the pot. Immediately after transplanting, place the pot with the plant in partial shade for a week.

Reproduction.

Cuttings. We cut the stem with a sharp knife, and then shorten the stalk so that the leaf and bud remain on a small piece of the stem. The cut area can be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon and then the cutting can be dried for several hours. Now you need to prepare a container filled with vermiculite and slightly deepen the cutting into it. We water the substrate daily. The roots will appear after 2-4 weeks.

Tuber division. During transplantation, you can divide the plant into two parts by carefully cutting the tuber. We plant each division in a shallow pot, which should be 3-4 cm wider in diameter than the rhizome. The soil mixture used is exactly the same as for the whole plant.

♦ WHY DO THE DOLLAR TREE'S LEAVES TURN YELLOW?

There are two main reasons for this phenomenon.
First, the leaves of Zamioculcas turn yellow natural reasons. In this case, the old leaves begin to turn yellow, but a natural growth of young leaves is observed. In this case, there is no need to worry, as the old leaves gradually dry out and fall off. By the way, you cannot remove yellowed leaves yourself, despite the fact that they slightly spoil the aesthetic appearance of the plant.

The second common reason is external factors caused by improper care of indoor plants. In this case, against the background of yellowing leaves, the appearance of young leaves is not observed. Typically, yellowing of the leaves is caused by a violation of the watering regime (overmoistening). Constant drafts can also cause leaves to turn yellow. If in winter only the tips of the leaves dry out and turn yellow, then most likely the plant is very close to the elements heating system.

♦ COMMON DISEASES AND PESTS:

Lately this flower has become very popular. Most people who are interested in Feng Shui know that the dollar tree can attract financial stability, prosperity and prosperity into the home. Many people want to plant such a tree themselves, but not everyone succeeds. Why is this happening?

Often the main problem that a tree does not take root in a house is improper care. Therefore, if you want to grow a large tree rich in leaves, you will have to learn a few basic recommendations for caring for zamioculcas.

A little about the dollar tree

This plant is also called zamioculcas. The birthplace of the dollar tree is considered tropical Africa, an area where there is high humidity, warm air temperatures and infrequent rainfall. Due to this location, the dollar tree is designed in such a way that it stores the necessary moisture and liquid in its root system. When a period of drought occurs, it regulates the level of humidity using its reserves. Therefore, in indoor conditions, it is necessary to carefully monitor the watering of this plant. Its roots should not rot and the leaves should not be overdried.

The stems of dollar trees are quite long; they can reach 1 m in height. There are leaves along the entire stem. The leaves resemble feathers. The structure of the leaves is quite juicy and fleshy. This plant is a succulent, which determines its ability to accumulate liquid in its leaves and roots.

The root of the dollar tree is tuberous. This root structure is also due to its ability to retain moisture.

In very rare cases, Zamioculcas is able to bloom. Therefore, you should not expect this plant to bloom quickly. By its nature, it takes a long time to adapt to a new place and transplant. But when all conditions are conducive to its flowering, the dollar tree produces a flower that looks like an ear of corn, which is surrounded by small flowers. All this beauty is covered by a large green carpet of leaves.

Anyone who believes in the teachings of Feng Shui is advised to have a dollar tree at home. Signs and superstitions related to zamioculcus have become so widespread among people that some owners hang banknotes on the tree. People believe that this tree can increase income in the house. A gift of zamioculcas is considered a good omen, so it is an excellent option for a birthday gift.

If a gardener is determined to grow a large and beautiful dollar tree, then he needs to pay attention to three things: sufficient light, air temperature and watering.

Features of caring for Zamioculcas

The dollar tree is a houseplant; every owner should know how to care for it, especially since care is simple and unpretentious. Even a beginner in the flower business can handle it.

What should the lighting be like for a dollar tree to grow comfortably?

The dollar tree is a plant that loves light very much, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If Zamioculcas has just appeared in the house, for the first 2-3 days it should be kept on the windowsill, where there will be partial shade. The plant must acclimatize to new conditions.

After this time, the flower pot can be placed on the windowsill, where there is a lot of daylight. Ideal option There will be a window sill with blinds where you can regulate the amount of light. The main thing is the absence of direct sunlight. Experienced gardeners recommend placing this indoor plant on south-facing windows.

At what temperature will the dollar tree grow well?

Since tropical Africa is considered the homeland of Zamioculcas, this plant is not afraid of even +30°C. Warm temperature air is only good for him. High humidity some air wouldn't hurt either.

In winter, the dollar tree should go into a dormant stage and prepare for the active growth phase in summer. Therefore, at this time it is advisable to move it to a room where the air temperature will not be lower than +18°C.

It is worth noting that at low temperatures, the dollar tree can “acquire” pests and diseases. Therefore, in winter it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of its leaves and soil.

What should the air humidity be?

In order for the leaves and roots of Zamioculcas to receive the proper amount of moisture, it must not only be watered on time, but also thoroughly sprayed. The dollar tree develops especially problematically indoors, where low humidity air. Average acceptable norm The air humidity for this plant is considered to be 65-80%.

If the humidity is lower than indicated, then the place where the pot with zamioculcas is located must be moistened. This can be done in three ways.

Method No. 1. Place a container of water near the flower with the dollar tree. The air will be humidified, and the plants will independently adjust the amount of liquid they need for comfortable growth.

Method No. 2. During periods when the air temperature is too high and the humidity is too low, the leaves of the dollar tree must be sprayed with boiled water.

Method No. 3. Initially, when a dollar tree is planted or replanted, moss and drainage should be placed at the bottom of the pot. In this case, the leaves must be wiped with a damp cloth every day.

How should watering be?

The growth and development of the dollar tree depends on timely watering. Therefore, it is necessary to remember that it is necessary to water this plant only when the soil in the pot is completely dry. It is better to water Zamioculcas abundantly, but not too often. It is necessary to prevent rotting of the root system. For this plant, over-dried soil is not as dangerous as over-moistened soil.

It is necessary to water the dollar tree with settled or boiled water at room temperature. After watering, there should be no stagnation of water in the pot, and no puddles should form.

In addition to high-quality watering, it is necessary to pay attention to timely feeding. It is necessary to feed the dollar tree once every 14 days; you should not increase the amount of fertilizer, as this can lead to the appearance of diseases. For feeding you need to use the same fertilizers as for cacti. Watering should be alternated with fertilization.

It is worth noting that in the cold season, feeding should be stopped, the plant itself must prepare for new phase growth.

Why is the dollar tree crying? Sometimes drops of water can be seen on the leaves of this flower. They are released due to the fact that the plant thus removes excess liquid that it is not able to process. This often happens before rain and after heavy watering. There are certain channels in the stems and leaves through which the plant excretes excess water in the form of drops.

Features of Zamioculcas transplantation

Not all beginning flower growers know when and how to transplant a dollar tree at home? Zamioculcas is transplanted every year in the spring.

The roots of the dollar plant are considered very fragile and brittle, so at the time of replanting they must be carefully removed from the old pot. The new pot should be 3-4 cm larger than the old one. It is advisable to choose a pot made of clay or ceramics. If Zamioculcas is planted in a plastic pot, it may crack over time. The walls of the pot may not support root growth.

Place drainage balls or pebbles at the bottom of the pot. They will not only help retain moisture, but will also prevent the accumulation of excess liquid in the pot.

The moment of replanting a dollar tree is quite simple. To do this, the old flower pot needs to be watered so that the soil moves away a little from the walls. The lump with old soil and roots just needs to be rolled out of the old pot. To do this, it is better to place the pot on its side. The plant must be transferred to a new pot, which has previously been filled with drainage. The resulting voids should be filled with new soil, but the upper 1-2 cm of the root system should not be covered with soil.

It is very important to know that zamioculcas juice contains toxic substances, therefore, it is necessary to carry out the entire transplant operation with rubber gloves. In some people, dollar tree sap may cause redness and itching of the skin.

Is it possible to propagate a dollar tree?

Most owners of this plant want to propagate the dollar tree. Photos, home care, flowering, replanting and propagation - these are the most important points that interest novice flower growers. As practice shows, growing this indoor plant at home from a cutting or leaf is quite simple. The main thing is to know the features of cuttings and propagation of dollar trees through leaves and tubers.

Features of cuttings of Zamioculcas at home

You can propagate a dollar tree through cuttings only if the mother plant is already mature. The branch you want to cut must have at least 1 leaf and 1 bud. You need to cut this branch at the very root.

Branch cutting should only be done with a sharp and disinfected knife or shears from hell. To do this, the equipment must be wiped with alcohol. The place on the cutting where the cut was made must be sprinkled with a crushed tablet of activated carbon.

While the cuttings are drying out, during this time you need to prepare the soil for planting the cuttings. To do this, it is better to take varmiculite. The cutting must be placed in a moistened substrate to a depth of 3-4 cm. While the planted cutting is sprouting roots, you need to monitor the moisture content of the soil in which it grows. To do this, it can be sprayed and watered in a timely manner, but not flooded.

If the cutting was taken from healthy plant, then roots should form within 20-30 days.

How to plant a dollar tree bush?

Dividing Zamioculcas by tubers is another method of propagating this plant. This process can be carried out during the period of tree transplantation. The lump with the root system can be divided, but this can only be done with those plants that are already fully formed.

This propagation method must be done as carefully as possible, since fragile roots can be broken.

The separated tuber must be transplanted into a new pot, which will be 3 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. After separation, the dollar tree must be well watered.

One branch has broken off, what should I do? This can happen very often during transplantation, so don’t rush and throw it away. The branch must be carefully cut off at the base, and the leaves that were on it must be cut off and planted in a new pot to form another plant.

How to propagate a dollar tree using leaves?

It is possible to breed zamioculcas using leaves, but this process may take 1-2 months. Such a long process is due to the fact that the leaves take a long time to form a young tuber. In order for the leaf to take root, the substrate must be regularly moistened. On young plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The temperature should be relatively high, from +20 °C. The plant should not be in a draft. It is advisable to place the pot with leaves on the windowsill, where there is daylight for a long time.

To propagate a dollar tree, you can cut several leaves at once. The substrate in which the leaves will be planted must be moist. To do this, you must first water it with water at room temperature.

The cut leaves must be deepened into the soil by 3-4 cm. To help them quickly begin the process of tuber formation, the leaves can be covered plastic bag or a cut bottle. To do this, you need to cut off the bottom of the bottle so that the cap remains on it. Using the lid, you can regulate the air temperature and humidity inside.

In order for the leaves to take root, the pot with the substrate must have drainage. Water should not accumulate under the bottle.

What diseases or pests can affect the growth of a dollar plant?

Often, during the development of zamioculcas, owners notice yellowing of the leaves. Why do dollar tree leaves turn yellow? What to do in such a situation? To answer these questions, you need to look at the condition of the flower itself. In most cases, this happens for several reasons:

  • due to the fact that the flower was not replanted for a long time,
  • due to lack of daylight,
  • due to damage to the root system,
  • due to rotting root system.

Also, the leaves may turn yellow due to the fact that the plant is exposed to fungal disease. All this happens for a reason improper care. Also, this indoor plant may have a weakened appearance, its stems may be thin and weak. This happens due to lack of light. To correct this situation, the flower must be placed in a bright place so that the stems do not reach for the light, but receive it in sufficient quantities.

The dollar tree rarely gets sick, but sometimes its leaves can be attacked by scale insects or spider mites. To combat these pests, the plant must be sprayed with insecticides.

Also, dollar tree leaves may lose their color due to a sudden change temperature regime. In winter, when it stands on the windowsill, frost can pick up the leaves. To prevent this from happening in the winter, it is better to move the plant to a warmer and brighter place.

For owners of healthy dollar trees, the lower large leaves may become stained yellow naturally, since this is how the plant replaces old leaves with young ones.

Zamioculcas is also prone to slow growth. But if for several months it has not pleased you with at least one leaf, then this may indicate that the plant lacks nutrients in the ground. You need to pay attention to the amount of fertilizing. It is necessary to fertilize once every 2-3 weeks.

Dark spots may appear on dollar tree leaves. brown spots. Similar external changes accompanied by a draft or excessive watering. Due to excess moisture, the plant begins to rot.

Also, due to improper watering, zamioculcas tubers can be damaged by stem rot. From the stems, rot can spread to the roots. To solve this problem, you need to adjust the watering. Damaged stems and roots should be removed, and the entire plant should be treated with a systemic fungicide.

Among the pests, the dollar tree can be favored by spider mites. Often it settles on such plants only if they are located in a room where the air humidity is too low. To remove spider mites from a plant, the leaves must be wiped with a soapy solution. After such “cleaning”, the plant needs to be washed under a warm shower to wash away the remaining solution. If this does not help, then the dollar tree must be treated with the insecticide Antimite or Akarin.

Such insecticides can also be used for plants that have scale insects or aphids on their leaves and stems. Aphids appear very rarely on a dollar tree, but in the summer, when it is taken outside, the tree may be defenseless against aphids.

The mealybug damages this plant only in one case, if the air humidity is too low. These pests must be removed using an alcohol solution, because if this is not done promptly, they can cause the complete death of the dollar tree. In appearance, they resemble mealy lice. As they feed on plant juices, the leaves may develop brown spots and begin to droop and lose shape. The plant will stop growing. This scourge can also be combated with systemic insecticides.

To get rid of thrips on zamioculcus, the plant must be treated with Intavir or Karbofos. These drugs help get rid of these pests only after several treatments. Therefore, you need to spray the plant until the leaves acquire a healthy appearance. Dilute medications strictly according to instructions.

Not all lovers of growing indoor flowers want to spend a lot of time caring for them. In this regard, it has become quite popular in Lately dollar tree, even a beginner can figure out how to care for it. This small shrub looks great in any environment and is suitable for growing both at home and in office premises, hospitals, hotels, schools and so on.

The plant does not bloom; instead of flowers, sometimes it produces a peduncle, at the end of which an ear forms. Small, juicy, glossy leaves give it decorative value.

If you care for the bush carefully, you can get a very beautiful and neat bush. Due to its African origin, the flower tolerates drought well, accumulating moisture in the succulent leaves.

How to care for a dollar tree

The dollar tree has an official botanical name - Zamioculcas. It has taken root well not only in warm European countries, but also in Russia. Despite the undemanding conditions and simple care at home, in order for the flower to grow healthy, it is necessary to follow some rules.

Watering mode

Like its African ancestors, it is drought-resistant. That's why abundant watering the plant does not need it. Excess moisture causes a decrease in the oxygen content in the soil, causing it to become waterlogged. Due to excess moisture in the soil, pathogenic bacteria and fungi begin to multiply, causing various root rots that can cause the death of the plant.

The flower accumulates moisture well thanks to its fleshy leaves, so it is better to dry it a little rather than overwater it. Therefore, watering should be moderate, and the interval between them should be such that the earthen ball dries out. On average, you need to water the flower once or twice a week. Before watering, you need to make sure that the soil in the pot is dry.

Watering methods may be different. You can water from a tray or from above, but the most successful option is to combine these two methods. When watering from a tray, you must leave the pot in it for no more than a quarter of an hour, and after this time, the remaining water from the tray must be drained. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum.

Accommodation

Like many plants, the dollar tree prefers bright places. Therefore, you can put it on a windowsill on the west or east side. When placed on the south side, the leaves should be protected from direct sunlight.

If there is too much light, the leaves of the tree begin to turn yellow.

Room climate

Simple care and ease of growing a dollar tree at home is that ordinary room temperature and humidity. But besides room conditions, this flower is often grown in offices and other indoor spaces where the temperature is often much lower. The flower feels great in such rooms; it can grow at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. At +12, Zamioculcas stops its growth, but still does not die, but the tree is not able to tolerate lower temperatures.

Feeding

Caring for the plant involves applying fertilizers. The dollar tree grows very slowly at home, and also does not form flowers, so it is not fed often.

One feeding is carried out from May to October. In winter, the flower hibernates and does not need feeding.

To feed the dollar tree, cactus fertilizers are used.

Foliage care

A waxy coating is constantly present on the fleshy leaves of Zamioculcas. At home, it becomes a kind of magnet for dust particles. If the leaves are not cleaned in time, the plant's photosynthesis decreases and instead of acting as an air purifier, it becomes a dust collector.

You can clean the leaves with a wet sponge, and sometimes give the zamioculcas a warm shower. To do this, the pot is wrapped in polyethylene so that water does not flood the soil, and the plant is placed in a basin and watered from above from the shower warm water. This type of treatment can be done once a month. Thanks to this procedure, all the dust will be washed away, and the plant will look fresh.

How to replant a dollar tree

With good care, when the plant receives the optimal amount of moisture, it can be done every 4–5 years, and for young ones annually. A drainage layer must be poured onto the bottom of the pot. It will help avoid waterlogging of the soil and provide good oxygen access to the roots.

For drainage, you can use publicly available materials - expanded clay, gravel, pieces of brick or small pebbles. The soil must be light, loose, and high in humus. It is better to purchase special soil in the store, but you can mix it yourself.

To do this, take leaf or turf soil, peat and sand. Containers for planting dollar trees should not be deep. It is better to take a flatter and wider container. or plastic.

It is better together with a lump of earth, so the shrub quickly adapts to new conditions. After transplantation, the dollar tree does not form new shoots for some time, this is how it reacts to a change of place of residence.

Pests and diseases of zamioculcas

If care at home is correct, then the dollar tree is very rarely colonized by pests and even less often it gets sick. If room air too dry, the plant may develop spider mites. These small insects feed on sap from leaf cells.

Gradually they deplete it and entangle it in a web, so you need to start fighting the tick as quickly as possible. Insecticides are used for this. To prevent the appearance of these pests, the air in the room should be slightly humidified.

Another pest, the scale insect, can be destroyed with a damp sponge and shower. Root rot sometimes appears as a disease.

The most common reason is improper watering. Overmoistening of the soil becomes detrimental to plants.

The first sign of root rotting is. In this case, fungicides are used. When watering is carried out incorrectly, the plant begins to hurt. Overmoistening of the soil causes rotting of the roots. In this case, it is necessary to urgently replant the plant in new soil. Before transplanting the roots, it is necessary to inspect the root system and cut off rotten roots. Then treat everything with a fungicide.

Caring for a dollar tree at home is generally not difficult. The main attention needs to be paid proper watering. Soil moisture is the main guarantee of plant health and good vegetation.

Overwatering causes diseases, but drying out does not have such a bad effect on the plant. If the soil in the pot is dry, then you need to put it in a tray with water and water it from above.

After watering, the soil needs to be loosened. If these conditions are met, the flower will delight its owners for a long time with its beautiful greenery. In addition, thanks to the abundance of greenery, this plant perfectly filters the air, creating a healthy atmosphere and clean air in the house.

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