How to Care for Zamioculcas or Dollar Plant at Home

Zamioculcas or the dollar plant is one of the most popular houseplants, which even a beginner can handle at home. However, it is important to consider several nuances in care. This especially applies to plant selection and repotting.

Care for Zamioculcas at Home

Zamioculcas is a plant that looks cute and harmonious in any interior, but it is not fussy or demanding in care. In many countries, the dollar plant is grown as a house or office plant. The plant is native to South Africa and does not require special soil, abundant watering, or regular fertilization. In the wild, it grows in rocky areas.

“Many people call zamioculcas the dollar plant. The origin of this name is probably primarily related to the shape of the leaf. It shines and resembles a dollar,” explained Tatyana Chernova, a practicing landscape designer.

The dollar plant is safe for humans and animals and does not cause allergies. Only its sap is poisonous. Therefore, when working with the leaves and repotting the plant, it is better to wear gloves.

“Zamioculcas prefers diffused light and can grow even in partial shade. Often people place it in the bathroom if there is a window. And these conditions will be sufficient for it. It tolerates humid atmospheres well and likes warmth. However, it should not be placed in a draft,” warned the florist.

How to Choose a Houseplant

First of all, you need to pay attention to the condition of the soil. It should not be dried out, and there should be no flies or other pests. It is important that the plant itself is without damage, yellow leaves, or coating.

“When purchasing, it is advisable not to repot it immediately; give it a chance to adapt. If it starts to wilt, then you need to adjust the watering schedule and check the temperature to ensure it is not too cold,” noted the specialist.

The dollar plant belongs to succulents — it is capable of storing water, so the leaves are dense and shiny. Zamioculcas does not require strict and regular watering. It will calmly endure not too long a drought, but it is unlikely to tolerate overwatering — its roots can easily rot due to excess moisture.

“When repotting, there should be drainage at the bottom of the pot. The soil should be lighter and airier so that water does not stagnate and air reaches the roots. In terms of composition, it is: sod and leaf soil, peat, sand,” listed Tatyana Chernova.

The plant should be repotted at least once every two years because it has quite powerful roots that start to press against the pot. The size of the container should increase by approximately 15–20% with each repotting.

How to Water Zamioculcas

It is important to monitor the temperature of the water for watering — it should not be cold. After watering, you must remove water from the tray so that the roots do not rot. On average, water is needed for the plant once every 2–3 weeks depending on the condition of the room where it is located and the time of year. In summer, water more often — once every 1–2 weeks; in winter, one watering per month may be sufficient.

“Watering should be moderate. Monitor the dryness of the soil, and only after it has dried to a depth of 2–3 centimeters, water it. In winter, watering is significantly reduced compared to summer. In the autumn-spring period, it can be once every 2–3 weeks. Flowering occurs very rarely; I personally have not observed it,” noted the specialist.

Regular green fertilizers or complex mineral fertilizers for succulents are sufficient. Fertilize only during the active growth period from April to September, at most once a month.

“It is worth wiping the leaves from dust occasionally. This is easy to do because they are wide and smooth. It is safe to say that this is a fairly clean plant,” explained Tatyana Chernova.

If you want to grow something unusual, then try taking a lemon, mandarin, or kiwi seed.