Are you looking for a reliable and easy-care houseplant? Then the Lucky Feather is just right for you. The lushly leafy Zamioculcas zamiifolia (or ZZ plant for short) may be hard to pronounce, but it couldn't be easier to grow. It may look exotic, but it is tough and thrives anywhere with a minimum of care. Here you will find our tips for the best Zamioculcas care.
What is a lucky feather plant?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia has been around for centuries and is native to drought-prone Africa (where it thrives outdoors). A few decades ago, Dutch nurseries in South Africa recognized the plant's propagation potential and began selling it worldwide in 1996. Since then, lucky feather plants have found their way into homes, offices and hearts around the world.
The lucky feather bears a striking resemblance to an olive branch, but is more succulent and has a shiny, almost waxy surface. Believe it or not, it is actually a flowering plant. However, Zamioculcas plants, grown exclusively indoors, can rarely produce small, white, spatula-shaped flowers near the stem that are almost identical to the flowers of a peace lily.
Proper care for a Zamioculcas
The Lucky Feather is a favorite among houseplant growers who love indoor foliage plants that require little care or do not require a perfect growing environment. This plant is also prized for its stunning foliage, which is so green and glossy that it almost looks polished. If you want to try something even more exotic, look for new Zamioculcas varieties with variegated or deep purple leaves, like Raven and Variegata.
Zamioculcas care: Grow the houseplant correctly
- Licht:Place your plant in a bright and warm location. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. No window? That's no problem. The ZZ plant also thrives under fluorescent lighting.
- Temperature:If you want your Zamioculcas to look good, you should keep the temperature in the room even. The best temperature range for healthy growth is between 18 and 24°C.
- Moisture:When caring for a lucky feather, it is not important to consider humidity as it can cope with average humidity and even some dry air at home. However, if you want to replicate the humidity in the plant's natural environment, you should aim for 40 to 50%.
- Earth:Most well-drained potting mixes that contain a high percentage of perlite or sand will do. Since the Zamioculcas has succulent properties, cactus soil is also ideal for growing this houseplant. Good drainage holes at the bottom of the pot are essential.
- Irrigation:Water your plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water more often in stronger light and less often in weaker light. The only thing that can kill a lucky feather is overwatering, so when in doubt, water less rather than more.
- Fertilize:Because this plant can store nutrients in its roots, it does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilize about once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted. Do this after watering. Flushing the soil prevents too many mineral salts from building up, which causes leaf burns.
- Leaves:To keep the foliage nice and shiny, clean it with a damp cloth if necessary to remove dust. Occasional spraying of the leaves also reduces dust deposition. Keeping your plant dust-free is also good for its health because the leaves can absorb more sunlight.
- Repotting:The Zamioculcas plants are slow growing, so you won't need to plant them oftenneed to repot. This means you should probably repot them every two years even less frequently.
The lucky feather: What else should you pay attention to?
The Zamioculcas is a hardier houseplant and survives some neglect. However, there are a few things you should do when taking care of thiseasy-care houseplantshould be taken into account.
- The lower leaves turn yellow:It is completely normal for some of the lower leaves to turn yellow and fall off. If a lot of leaves are turning yellow, you should make sure you don't overwater.
- Browning leaf tips:The cause is probably dry air and low humidity. Misting the leaves can help improve humidity.
- Leaves turning brown:Overwatering is the most common cause here, especially if the leaf feels slightly moist rather than dry.
- Diseases:Root rot is the main problem with the Zamioculcas plant, usually caused by overzealous plant breeders. The moisture in the ground causes the rhizome to rot, and fungal diseases can quickly attack the plant. Common signs of disease, such as yellow leaves, are usually due to problems with irrigation.
- Toxicity:All parts of this plant are considered poisonous if swallowed. Keep the lucky feather away from children and pets and be careful when handling the plant.
