zamioculas zamiifolia

Zamioculcas (Common name "Zanzibar Gem") It is a tropical native to eastern , from south to northeastern It is a herbaceous plant growing to 45-60cm tall, from a stout underground, succulent . surviving drought due to the large -like rhizome that stores water until rainfall resumes. 40-60cm long, with 6-8 pairs of leaflets 7-15cm long; they are smooth, shiny, and dark green. The are produced in a small bright yellow to brown or bronze 5-7cm long, partly hidden among the leaf bases; flowering is from mid summer to early autumn. All parts of the plant are if ingested. Zamioculcas is grown as an ornamental plant, mainly for its attractive glossy foliage. It can be kept outdoors as long as the temperature does not fall below around 15 ° (59 °); best growth is between 18 °C to 26 °C (65° to 79 °). Hot temperatures give an increase of leaf production. In temperate regions, it is grown as a . Over-watering may destroy this plant; erring on the side of dryness is preferable to risking tuber rot. Do not use leaf shiners. A quarter or eighth strength liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or worm-cast liquid may be used once a month at the warmest period for potted specimens. Some sun will be tolerated, very early in the morning for hot districts – morning or afternoon for cooler districts. Z. zamiifolia may be propagated by leaf cuttings: typically, the lower ends of detached leaves are inserted into a moist gritty compost and the pot enclosed in a polythene bag. Though the leaves may well decay, succulent bulb-like structures should form in the compost and these may be potted up to produce new plants.