A Zamioculcas is an excellent choice because it is a hardy houseplant that is one of the longest-lasting houseplants. This plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also called the lucky feather) is characterized by its tall stems and thick, waxy, shiny green leaves. But does your Zamioculcas let down shoots? What can you do about it?
Because they thrive on low light and can tolerate neglect, lucky feathers are the ideal house and office plants for those just starting out with plants. They make an excellent addition to any houseplant collection. Find out what you should do to ensure that these potted plants grow healthily in the following article!
Zamioculcas – a charming houseplant
The commercial propagation of lucky feathers was started by Dutch nurseries in 1996. These days they can be found in the houseplant sections of many garden stores and online. The plants of the genus Zamioculcas are native to the tropical regions of the African east coast, which extends from Kenya through the countries of Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Malawi to South Africa.
Unlike many other tropical houseplants, their normal habitat is not the forest. Instead, this plant prefers the mild, rainy summers and dry desert winters found in grasslands. Due to its natural environment, it can survive for long periods without water and, unlike many other tropical plants, it does not rely on moist soil.
Why does my Zamioculcas droop shoots?
The lucky feather is a popular houseplant because it requires little care and, according to popular belief, even thrives if you leave it alone. However, there are a handful of common problems, such as plant stems tipping over, that can affect their well-being and visual appeal. Read on to find out what causes plant stems to fall over and what you can do to prevent it.
Lucky feather watered too much
If the plant's shoots fall over, it is usually because you have watered them too much. Due to its history in semi-arid areas, it can survive extended periods of drought and occasional rainfall. This houseplant can store water due to its rhizome root structure. However, be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings - rhizomes can rot and disintegrate in soil that is too moist.
If you notice that your plant's shoots are becoming limp, you should examine the possibility of overwatering. Soil aeration is reduced when watering too often, causing the soil to remain constantly wet.The roots becomesick because they cannot absorb oxygen in this environment. Various anaerobic bacteria and fungi can thrive in moist soil, attacking plant roots and causing root rot.
Root rot can cause a plant to appear completely healthy to the point where the damage is significant. If you see the leaves turning yellow or the plant's stems sagging and falling over, it may already be too late.
Root rot can be detected by removing the lucky feather from the pot. Rotten roots should be cut out with sterile pruning shears as they are soft and mushy. Make sure the pot is not too large and has plenty of drainage holes before repotting your plant in well-draining soil. You should wait to water your plant until the potting soil is almost dry after repotting.
After watering, wait a few minutes and then pour out the excess water from the drip tray.
Not watering enough is also a problem
Although Zamioculcas tolerate very little water, they still need to be watered every now and then. In the heat, underwatering is almost as bad as overwatering.
Not watering enough can cause your potted plant's stems to look limp, wilted, or wrinkled. Dry and brown leaf tips and shriveled leaves that may gradually fall off are other signs of underwatering. In particular, you should feel the soil around the holes in the pot to determine how dry it is.
Don't water your plant's soil until it is almost dry. Once or twice a month is enough (once a week in summer).
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Wrong location
When lucky feathers start to droop, incorrect lighting is a typical cause. Optimal conditions for these plants are strong, indirect light or moderate shade, although they can tolerate a wide range of lighting situations. If the houseplant doesn't get enough sun, it can droop, have fewer leaves, and look lanky.
A lucky feather's leaves will begin to burn, turn brown, and eventually fall off if it receives too much sun, especially in the afternoon. Due to the intense light, you may notice your plant's stems drooping or bending away from the light.
Position your plant to receive adequate sunlight by placing it near a window that faces east or north. In the morning, when the sun is not as strong, the plant can still benefit from bright, indirect light. If your plant isn't getting enough light, consider moving it to a less sunny spot in your home. If you are unable to move the plant to another location, you can reduce the amount of direct light by using curtains or shutters.
Repotting
Regular repotting of Zamioculcas into larger pots is part of the plants' basic care. Even the hardiest plants can show symptoms of stress if their roots are disturbed, but most plants tolerate repotting quite well. If your plant is suffering from stress, drooping stems are an early warning sign.
If you want to prevent the roots from drying out too quickly, you should not transplant in the middle of summer when temperatures are higher. If a planted plant appears wilted or otherwise stressed, it will need time to recover. When a plant is stressed, it is better able to devote its energy resources to growing roots rather than stems. After the roots have had time to recover, the plant's vitality should return.
Pay attention to temperature
If the shoots of your lucky feather become limp, it may be due to problems with humidity or temperature. These houseplants thrive in mild conditions and high temperatures (18 to 30 degrees). When temperatures are low, plants may develop drooping or wilted leaves. Especially in winter, keep your plant away from windows where cold air comes in, as this can make the problem worse.
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