Zamia

Zamia flower - family. Zamiaceae.

Origin. India, Florida.

Description. Zamias are perennial herbaceous plants that resemble tree ferns or palms. The trunk is short, cylindrical, with remnants of old dead leaves, brown, at the top it has a large crown of beautiful, dark green, pinnately dissected leaves, which reach 2 m in length. During the flowering period, it forms a strobila - a modified part of the shoot that carries spores. Zamias are divided into male and female plants. The strobili of male plants are lanceolate-shaped; female strobili are more rounded.

Height. Reaches 2 meters in height, but grows slowly.

Care for zamia at home

Reproduction 

Seeds are sown in spring and summer in damp sand. Place the pot with seedlings in a warm place with a temperature of at least 18 ° C and cover with a plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity. Germination is very long, young plants develop slowly. Fresh seeds have the best germination rate. Young plants should not be kept in direct sunlight until the second pair of true leaves appears. 

How to care 

Quite hardy indoor plants that do not require much care. Grow zamia in well-drained soil and indoors with good light. Remove dead leaves promptly. Turn the plant periodically with different sides towards the light source - in this case it will look symmetrical and attractive.

When does zamia bloom? 

It blooms extremely rarely in cultivation.

Transplant 

In spring, when the root system becomes cramped. Large adult specimens do not need to be replanted, but simply replace the top layer of soil 5 - 7 cm thick every year with a fresh one. 

Watering

Water the zamia abundantly throughout the summer, allowing the top layer of soil, about 5 cm thick, to dry out. In the cold season, reduce the frequency of watering. When watering, avoid getting water on the trunk and leaves - they may rot.

Diseases and pests 

If there is a lack of moisture, the plant may shed its leaves. When overwatered, root rot appears.

Zamia is predisposed to the appearance of pests such as spider mites and scale insects.

Soil composition 

Well-drained, nutritious soil, such as equal parts peat, coarse sand and garden soil. 

Containment temperature

Tolerates a fairly wide range of temperatures, including short frosts down to -1 ° C. The optimal maintenance temperature is 16 - 24 ° C throughout the year.

Lighting

Very well lit location. Zamia should receive several hours of direct sun every day in the morning and evening, especially during the growing season. 

Feeding zamia

Feed zamia with complex fertilizers once a month during the period of active growth in spring and summer.

Spraying 

The air around the plant should remain moist - place a tray with wet pebbles nearby or use a room humidifier. 

Note

Zamia seeds are poisonous and can be fatal to pets.