18” Zamioculcas

Zamioculcas

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia or Zanzibar Gem has been around for centuries, originating in drought-prone Africa (where it thrives outdoors). Dutch nurseries located in South Africa saw the plants’ propagating potential and started distributing them around the world. Since then, the plants have entered hearts, homes, and offices worldwide, and have become one of the most tagged plants on Instagram

Buying and caring for Zamioculcas

Adopting: Adding a vibrant, well-grown Zanzibar Gem to a plant collection is a feeling only a plant parent can understand. At eplants, we bring you display-ready plants, with high-quality growth, compact shape, and well-formed leaves

Locating: Zanzibar Gems need bright light. So, set the plants up in a sunny spot in your home or office. While they love the sun, they can also be grown under artificial fluorescent lights like the ones at an office

Potting: The Zanzibar Gem doesn’t need special potting soil. Being natives of the desert, they do well in any well-drained potting soil. Having a strong gravel base is best for these plants. Use a mix of coco-peat, sand, compost in 20:60:20 ratio

Watering: Having evolved in the desert, Zanzibar Gems have adapted to little or no rain for months. So, it’s only natural that you don’t over water these plants. Once every week watering is all they need. To get the plants to show off their glossy, green leaves, it is best to wipe clean their leaves with a moist tissue or cloth once every month. Overwatering could result in root-rot and eventual loss of plant life

Fertilising: Zanzibar Gems grow slowly, hence require very little in terms of feeding. If you must ferlilise give them some organic liquid fertiliser once or twice a year. Dilute it in water as described on the pack and add little to each pot as part of your watering routine. If you are using a chemical fertiliser, do ensure that you keep it away from the plant and its tiny roots

A Zanzibar Gem, with its wide, attractive, dark green leaves, boasts many favorable traits as the ideal indoor plants for offices and homes. They can live with neglect, are drought tolerant, and accept low-light conditions without throwing a fit. Its waxy, smooth leaves reflect sunlight and brighten rooms. These plants grow slowly to a height and width of two to three feet so it is not a plant monster that outgrows containers quickly

Did you know

Feng Shui practitioners place Zanzibar Gems in the wealth corner of the living room to bring fortune into their lives