Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also known as the “lucky feather”, draws attention particularly to its foliage and growth habit. However, this does not mean that they do not produce flowers or are even less attractive than flowering houseplants. The opposite is the case, because this impressive plant with its attractive leaves is a real eye-catcher in every apartment. If cared for well, it even produces bizarre-looking flowers.
What should you know about the houseplant Zamioculcas?
The houseplant Zamioculcas, also called “lucky feather”, is known for its striking, dark green foliage and unusual pinnate leaves. It prefers a bright location without direct sunlight and requires uniform moisture without waterlogging. Attention: The plant is slightly poisonous.
Origin, use and appearance
The extravagant leafy plant, which is widespread in many regions of East and South Africa, can be cultivated both in the home and in the winter garden. The lucky feather is evergreen and grows tightly upright to at least one meter high, with the petioles sprouting directly from the thick, fleshy rhizome. The plant has very unusual leaves: strong, stiff pinnate leaves grow on clubbed, thickened petioles and fleshy midribs. These are shiny dark green and darker in color the less light the plant is. Sometimes individual leaflets fall off - especially when the plant is young - and form small nodules on moist substrate, which take root and grow into new plants.
Location, care and propagation
This striking plant feels particularly comfortable in a bright, but not directly sunny location. In an emergency, the lucky feather will also make do with a partially shaded or darker place. During the growing season you should keep the plant evenly slightly moist, but definitely avoid waterlogging. In winter, Zamioculcas should be kept a little cooler - but not below 16 ° C - and watered less. Spray the plant regularly with soft water or rainwater, this ensures a consistently high level of humidity and keeps spider mites and other pests away. In summer, the plant can be supplied with a liquid green plant fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) about every four weeks. Propagation is also very easy through division or leaf cuttings.
Caution: poisonous
As a typical arum plant (Araceae), Zamioculcas zamiifolia is slightly poisonous. Contact with the plant sap (e.g. through consumption) can irritate the mucous membranes and cause them to swell, although these symptoms are usually only short-lived. If the plant sap gets into your eyes, be sure to rinse them thoroughly.
Tip
When there is a lack of light, the leaves turn yellow and are dropped; an inadequate supply of nutrients can also be the cause. If the air is too dry and it is very hot, the edges and tips of the leaves dry out and the plant generally appears limp.
