Zamiokulkas: We know why you are having difficulties to grow it successfully

It is often presented as an undemanding houseplant, but the reality is quite different. So what should you do if you already bought this plant but instead of a thriving companion you have a yellowish monster?

Zamiokulkas or Zamia. The same plant, right? Not at all!

Well, if you think that those two names refer to the same plant you not alone; even marketers sometimes confuse these names. And that is usually the problem. Zamiokulkas, unlike zamia, is not a cycad. It looks a little bit like one, but it does not do well in a shade. And the basic difference? Thick stems. Zami does not have thick stems.

When zamiokulkas is turning yellow

This problem usually occurs when the plant reacts to excessively moist soil. Once this occurs, it is rather difficult to save it. Remember that you should water once a week only and the flowerpot should never contain standing water. If you water zamiokulkas too much it will start turning yellow eventually. To save your plant, immediately remove it from the pot, remove the wet soil, cut brown rotting roots and replant it in a dry soil. Water very carefully. You have about one to three chance that you save your plant.

Photo: Pixabay

When zamiokulkas develops brown spots on leaves

Brown spots are usually the result of an exposure to direct sunlight. Southern windowsills are not good, especially during hot summer days. The first sign of trouble you may notice is when the plant leans quickly to one side. This tells you that the lighting is uneven and you need to change the location.

When zamiokulkas simply does not want to grow

If you plant looks quite fresh, but grows no new leaves, the most likely issue is insufficient nutrients and you need to fertilize – do it once a month and choose an ordinary fertilizer for houseplants. Another reason may be that you planted zamiokulkas in a small container. Transplant it and it should start growing again. When transplanting, check the condition of the roots and if you see any brown roots cut them out and cut down the watering too.

Preview photo: Pixabay