Dollar tree: photo, how it blooms, description and care at home

• January 15, 2019
• Houseplants
• Lyudmila Storozhenko

Among the many plants grown at home, the dollar tree attracts special attention. This beautiful plant is deep green in color. Many people believe that this plant brings wealth and prosperity to the home. For this reason, flower growers try to grow this flower themselves. How to care for a dollar tree, photos of how this plant blooms will be discussed further.

Description

What is the correct name for a dollar tree? This question interests those who are planning to grow a flower at home. The fact is that there is still a money tree. This is a completely different plant. It is also called Crassula. The dollar tree is called Zamioculcas. Such a stir around the presented plant is caused by the claim that it brings good luck and wealth to the house. For unmarried girls, the flowering of zamioculcas foretells an imminent marriage. Therefore, many representatives of the fair sex strive to make the dollar tree bloom at all costs (a photo of how this plant blooms is presented below).

Zamioculcas got its popular name because of its glossy dark green leaves. They are beautiful and quite meaty. With quality care, the height of the plant can reach 1 m or more. The root system of the dollar tree is tuberous. It accumulates water, which helps the plant in natural conditions to survive the period of drought. The dollar tree and the money tree are largely similar in their specific qualities.

Flowering of the dollar tree (see photo in the review) can be observed quite rarely at home. During this period, the flower produces an ear of light yellow, pinkish or white color. On the outside it is covered with a sheet. This is the flower of the plant. It can reach a length of 8 cm and does not have high decorative qualities.

It is worth noting that the currency tree is a relatively new plant. It began to be cultivated as a houseplant relatively recently, since 1996. Zamioculcas grows naturally in Africa. Accordingly, the room’s preferences for the variety remained similar to the wild plant.

Green varieties

The most common zamioculcas are those with green leaves. They can be found in flower shops at a reasonable price.

Super Nova

Super Nova is confused with other cultivars and is often sold as a black variety.

In fact, it differs little from the species, green, grows up to 1.5 m. It just forms a neat bush and has a more saturated color.

Lucky

Lucky is called round-leaved zamioculcas; the word Classic is often added to the name so as not to be confused with the variegated variety.

It is distinguished by a height of 55-70 cm, wider leaves than those of the species.

Flowering conditions

Considering how the dollar tree blooms, the photo of which is presented below, it is worth noting that this rarely happens. Zamioculcas blooms approximately once every 5-6 years. Therefore, many beliefs and signs are associated with this phenomenon. At a young age, the plant blooms extremely rarely. This process can be accelerated by providing the plant with the right conditions.

Knowing how often a dollar tree blooms, it is still impossible to predict how long it will take for the plant to bloom for the first time after purchase. In some specimens this can happen within a few months. However, more often you will need to wait several years for this moment. It is worth noting that zamioculcas blooms only if its root system is well developed. Having accumulated strength, the plant can release an arrow with a cob.

It is possible to speed up the onset of the flowering period only if you create the right conditions for growth for Zamioculcas. The more comfortable they are, the faster the roots will strengthen. The following indicators are important:

• temperature;
• location;
• the importance of air;
• lighting.

These are four main parameters that affect the speed of the onset of the flowering period. If the conditions for the growth of zamioculcas are not comfortable enough, it may not bloom at all. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to this issue.

How Zamioculcas blooms, periods of activity and dormancy

How to replant a dollar tree: choosing soil and pot

The plant cannot boast of a beautiful flower. Most of all, it resembles a birch catkin - about 3-5 cm long and no more than 1 cm in diameter. Of discreet color and shape, it is often not noticeable at all behind the gorgeous leaves.

But even for this it is necessary to provide ideal growing conditions - zamioculcas blooms very rarely. Therefore, most breeders prefer not to worry or rack their brains over the question of why zamioculcas does not bloom and what to do. It is much better to enjoy the beautiful leaves.

It grows actively from April to October, and rests the rest of the time.

The flower is not very beautiful

Air temperature and humidity

Why doesn't the dollar tree bloom? Perhaps it grows in inappropriate conditions. First of all, the green beauty should be provided with a comfortable ambient temperature. This plant is a succulent. Therefore, Zamioculcas is thermophilic. Its natural habitat is the hot climate of Africa. Temperature conditions are important for the proper development of the root system.

In summer there are usually no problems. Even in the heat of +35 ºС the plant feels excellent. But in winter, problems may arise. It is unacceptable for the temperature to drop below +16 ºС during this period. And it would be better if it was even higher.

It is worth noting that in hot weather the plant usually does not have problems with watering. It stores moisture, which it gradually uses up with the onset of a slight drought.

To see your dollar tree bloom as quickly as possible, you should also pay attention to air humidity. It shouldn't be too high. Zamioculcas is an ideal option for landscaping an apartment with low air humidity.

However, to maintain the spectacular appearance of this plant, you need to periodically wipe its leaves with a damp cloth. This way the dust is washed off from them. If the brightness of the plant’s color has noticeably decreased, you should spray its leaves and then wipe them. The decorative qualities of the plant after this procedure are noticeably increased.

Diseases and pests

The flower is very resistant to various diseases. Therefore, it practically does not get sick and is not affected by pests.

Incorrect care can lead to a painful state. The most common reason is over-watering. The root system of Zamioculcas begins to rot. In this situation, the flower requires urgent transplantation. It is necessary to inspect the rhizome and remove all putrefactive damage.

If a currency tree's leaves turn yellow, this does not indicate disease. This is how the normal growth process occurs. Old leaves die and turn yellow, replaced by new green leaves. Yellowed leaves are removed only after complete wilting with a sharp tool.

Location, lighting

Some gardeners are interested in whether the dollar tree blooms at home. The answer to this question is yes. But to achieve this result, you need to provide proper care. For a plant to become a real interior decoration, you need to put a lot of effort into it.

It is worth saying that Zamioculcas can grow even in partial shade. However, it requires a lot of light to bloom. To do this, the flower must be placed on the southern windowsill. But it is worth considering that the dollar tree does not tolerate direct sunlight. Burns may appear on the leaves. Therefore, you need to create shading on the window. Otherwise, the flower will wither and unsightly spots will appear on the leaves.

It is worth considering that Zamioculcas grows to impressive sizes. While the dollar tree is still young, it can be left on the windowsill. But over time this will become impossible. Therefore, it is best to place it on the floor, but near a light source. Zamioculcas should not be limited in space. To see how a dollar tree blooms at home, you can take the flower to an insulated loggia or balcony. When nothing limits him, he develops harmoniously and quickly.

If after moving the flower there is not enough light for it, you need to consider installing an artificial lamp. It is best to use LED lamps for these purposes.

The magical properties of Zamioculcas

The name “dollar tree” speaks of a belief in the ability to attract material wealth into the home . It is believed that a healthy, large plant indicates wealth and prosperity.

This magic is used especially well in offices. Conversely, yellowing of leaves and diseases can lead to financial problems.

The lesser known name "celibacy flower", which means blooming is a bad omen, is derived from the flower's resemblance to spathiphyllum. But there is a sign that if a plant appears in the house as a gift, you need to give a few coins for it, paying off negative energy .

How zamioculcas blooms and how many times it blooms depends on many factors, but with patience and providing the necessary care, you can see a rare exotic flower.

Watering and fertilizing

How the dollar tree flower blooms is known to those gardeners who follow all the rules for growing it. It is important to water Zamioculcas according to its needs. A dollar tree can survive without irrigation for more than a week. Therefore, the plant is suitable for those owners who may be on the road frequently.

The plant should be watered abundantly, but only after the soil is completely dry. If the frequency of watering is increased, the dollar tree tuber may begin to rot. For this reason, moisture should not stagnate in the tray and in the pot itself. Overdrying the soil for this plant is not as dangerous as excess moisture. You must definitely remember this.

You will be able to see a dollar tree in bloom sooner if you carry out periodic feeding. The plant needs additional fertilizer during the period of active growth. Therefore, the dollar tree is fed once every 2 weeks. Nutrient formulations for cacti or other succulents are suitable for this.

If in winter the temperature drops to 18ºС, stop watering and feeding. If the soil is completely dry, you can water the plant, but you need to keep it in a warmer room. Otherwise, the root will also rot. This will lead to the death of the plant. To prevent this from happening, you can place a heater in the room where zamioculcas grows.

Care

The plant does not require careful constant attention. Growing a healthy dollar tree is not difficult. In its natural habitat, the flower is accustomed to difficult growing conditions. Therefore, it is not at all capricious in care, location and choice of soil.

Also read: Bottle tree (Nolina): a tropical plant in your home

Watering

The health of the currency tree depends on proper watering. The plant is able to accumulate liquid, so it tolerates drought more easily than excess moisture. Excess moisture causes tubers to rot. Lack of moisture can be seen in the thinning of the leaves and their limp appearance. During prolonged drought, the flower may shed its leaves, especially during periods of intensive growth.

The following watering scheme should be followed:

• Spring and summer are the period of plant growth. Therefore, the flower needs extra moisture. Watering is carried out 3-4 times a month;
• Winter and autumn refer to the dormant period when the plant rests. It is necessary to reduce the frequency of watering to 1-2 times a month.

Settled water at room temperature is suitable for irrigation. Before moistening the soil, make sure the soil is completely dry. If excess water leaks into the pan, it must be drained immediately. When it stagnates, putrefactive processes begin.

Lighting

This is a light-loving plant. Although it brings great darkness. The best location is the window sill of a south window. You should not expose the flower to direct sunlight, as the leaves can get severely burned.

1. It is worth hanging a small curtain on the window to create a slight oppression, especially in the summer season.
2. Without good lighting, the leaves of the dollar tree become thinner. They become slightly sluggish, and the bush loses all its decorative charm.
3. It is especially important to create bright lighting during the period of increased plant growth: spring and summer. In order for the growth to be uniform, you need to turn the flower towards the window with different sides, otherwise the symmetrical shape of the leaves will be absent.

The plant loves fresh air. Therefore, during the warm season it should be taken out into the garden or onto the balcony. It is first necessary to provide the eternal tree with slight shading and protection from precipitation.

Temperature

The plant comes from Africa, so it loves warmth very much. Intense heat exceeding thirty degrees will not cause any harm to the bush. Experts involved in breeding zamioculcas believe that the optimum temperature for normal growth and development of the plant is from 22 to 26 degrees .

A drop in temperature in winter to 16 degrees will not harm the bush at all. It should be noted that if the air temperature drops below 12 degrees, the plant may die. Sudden changes in temperature are also harmful to it.

The dollar tree does not like drafts.

Humidity

The flower tolerates dry air well. Spraying the plant with water is not an urgent need. It should be carried out when dust has accumulated on the leaves, which will be much more convenient to remove.

Only warm water is sprayed. Then the leaves are gently wiped with a damp soft cloth. Most often such “cleaning” should be carried out in the summer.

The soil

The soil for the plant should be loose and light, capable of allowing moisture and air to pass through well. Flower shops sell special formulations specifically for succulents.

You can prepare the soil yourself. You will need the following components:

• Turf land;
• Leaf soil;
• Peat;
• Sand.

All components are taken in equal proportions and mixed thoroughly. Flower growers advise adding a little sphagnum moss to this composition. The Zanzibar pearl does not like acidic soil, so the acidity of the soil should be neutral.

Before use, the soil must be disinfected. To do this, it is heated in a water bath for 10-15 minutes. You can also spill the soil with special chemical compounds or a weak solution of manganese. Some plant growers spill boiling water on the soil.

Transfer

Zamioculcas is a slow growing plant. Therefore, he will not need frequent transplants. A young flower is replanted once every two years. For a fully formed adult shrub, replanting once every five years is sufficient.

You need to be careful. The flower does not tolerate even minor damage to the tubers. In order not to injure the money tree, it is replanted while preserving the old soil. A complete replacement of the soil is possible only if the plant becomes ill or needs to be divided.

It is better to choose a stable clay pot for the flower. The transplant is carried out according to the following instructions:

1. Using a flat, wide tool, you need to carefully remove the plant from the old pot along with the soil.
2. Drainage is placed in the new container. There is no need to add coins to it. Such superstition can lead to oxidative processes that harm the plant tuber;
3. The drainage is lightly filled with new soil;
4. The plant is clearly located in the middle of the new pot and sprinkled with soil on all sides. The tuber should not be deeply buried; it should rise slightly above the surface.
5. The plant is watered with a small amount of water.

Also read: Kalanchoe - medicinal properties, use in folk medicine, useful recipes

After transplantation, the currency tree does not require any special care. It is put back in its original place. The plant can only be replanted by dividing the tuber into two or more parts. This is a painful procedure. Therefore, if this method of propagating a flower is not planned, then it is better to transplant the tuber as a whole.

Fertilizer

It is best to purchase special fertilizer in the store. For indoor plants, it is diluted half and half with water. The flower especially needs fertilizer during the period of active growth and flowering, that is, from April to October.

During the dormant period, you should not fertilize the plant.

In addition to horse feeding, you can use foliar feeding. It is carried out in spring and summer no more than 1-2 times a month. To do this, the leaves of the plant are sprayed with a urea solution. The procedure is carried out between waterings.

Transfer

When considering how a dollar tree blooms, as well as how to speed up the onset of this period, it is worth paying attention to the transplanting rules. This procedure must be performed carefully. The fact is that the tubers of the plant are quite vulnerable. When transplanting, they can easily be damaged. Therefore, the procedure is carried out carefully and without haste. By damaging the root system, you can not only worsen the condition of zamioculcas, but also get a weakened plant that is not able to survive even in comfortable conditions.

A dollar tree needs to be replanted in three cases:

1. Two weeks after purchase. Plants are delivered to the store in temporary containers. The containers are filled with peat, which will need to be replaced with a nutrient substrate. Zamioculcas cannot be replanted immediately. It must first adapt to the growing conditions in your home.
2. Once a year, a young plant that is actively developing requires replanting. The pot in which the dollar tree will now grow should be slightly larger than the previous container.
3. If the roots of an adult plant fill the entire pot, replanting is also required. In this case, the rhizomes will protrude from the container, completely filling the entire earthen lump.

It is best to perform the transplant procedure in the spring. The plant will feel better in a ceramic or clay pot. Plastic may not withstand the pressure of growing roots.

A drainage layer must be placed at the bottom. It is better to purchase the substrate at a trusted florist store. It is best to purchase a soil mixture intended for cacti. It is recommended to add fine-grained expanded clay to the soil. It will add breathability to the soil.

In order not to damage the fragile roots, transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method. The plant is taken out of the pot along with a lump of earth. Next, you need to carefully install it in the prepared container. The top tubers should be bare approximately 1 cm.

It is worth considering that the work is performed with gloves. The juice of this plant is poisonous. Therefore, if it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause itching and irritation. If this happens, you need to wash your skin with plenty of running water.

Looking at a flower from the side

The dollar tree is a neat bush with original leaves, which are covered with a thin layer of waxy coating and consist of 8 or 12 separately growing feathers. Each specimen has a fleshy structure in which moisture accumulates in case of dry periods. The tuberous rhizome also retains water in a similar way. It is often called a natural reservoir of moisture for a rainy day.

The dollar tree can grow up to a meter in height and decorate any home interior. Unlike the money tree (crassula), it periodically blooms with an unusual inflorescence. When you look at the flower from the side, it seems that a yellow or cream-colored corncob has appeared among the fleshy leaves. In fact, this standing bud consists of many miniature flowers that shine brightly in the afternoon sun. Usually the inflorescence is hidden under a light green blanket, so it is not immediately noticeable. The photo clearly shows the dollar tree during its flowering period.

Since the plant originated from the tropics, it is quite rare to see its buds in Europe. However, the flower is prized for its attractive foliage.

The plant was first described in 1828 by the famous collector of tropical flora K. Loddiges. He named it Caladium zamyefolia. 28 years later, Heinrich Schott, an Austrian biologist, included it in the list of tropical plants as Zamioculcas Loddiges. Only in 1908 did the director of the botanical garden in Berlin immortalize his modern name. Despite this, many indoor plant lovers know the flower under the name dollar tree.

Since the plant blooms very rarely, its leaves are considered its main advantage. It grows up to 100 cm and above, when suitable conditions are created. How to achieve this result when caring for a flower? It turns out it's not difficult. The main thing is to follow simple tips.

Since Zamioculcas is considered a poisonous plant, replanting or pruning is performed with gloves. Otherwise, getting the juice on exposed skin leads to unpleasant burns that take a long time to heal.

Reproduction

The flowering of the dollar tree cannot be called particularly decorative. However, many strive to see it on their Zamioculcas. This plant will be an excellent gift for flower lovers. The dollar tree is propagated by cuttings, leaves or tuber division.

If the plant is mature, you can propagate it by cuttings. A cutting is cut from a branch bare below. There should be a small bud on it. The knife must be sharp and clean. Otherwise, the cuttings will rot. The cut stem needs to be shortened. To breed zamioculcas using this method, you need a small cutting with a bud and a leaf.

The cut areas should be sprinkled with activated carbon. The cuttings are dried for several hours. Next, prepare a small container into which vermiculite is poured. A cutting is installed in it. The first roots will appear no earlier than in 2 weeks. Sometimes you need to wait a month until the root system forms on the cut cuttings. The substrate must be periodically moistened without allowing it to dry out completely.

Why doesn't the dollar tree bloom?

The reasons may vary, but are most often related to lack of sun. The plant tolerates partial shade perfectly, and even in the depths of the room without lighting it remains attractive, for which interior designers love it. But it won't bloom.

Other reasons:

• Zamioculcas is too young;
• the bush has recently undergone division;
• a transplant was done with stripping of the roots;
• there are pests on the dollar tree;
• due to frequent heavy watering, the substrate constantly turns sour, and the underground stem (erroneously called a tuber) and sucking shoots rot;
• irrigation is carried out so rarely that the bases of the rachis become wrinkled;
• fertilizing is given occasionally, or a lot of nitrogen is added;
• the pot is too spacious or small for Zamioculcas;
• temperature changes;
• drafts;
• in winter indoors less than 16° C;
• incorrectly selected soil;
• rare transplants;
• there is no rest period - the owners do not reduce watering, or continue to feed in winter.

Tuber division

You can wait quite a long time for the dollar tree to bloom. However, the beauty of this plant forces many gardeners to grow Zamioculcas for interior decoration. You can propagate this plant by dividing the tuber. To do this, you will need to divide the root system of the plant and replant it in separate containers. This is easy to do if the plant is already mature.

It is necessary to estimate the size of each rhizome. The size of the container into which the cutting will be transplanted should be a couple of centimeters wider than the tuber. In this case, you need to choose shallow containers.

Caring for Zamioculcas after purchase

You should not replant the dollar tree immediately after purchase.
Wait a few days, let it acclimatize to the new conditions and the new microclimate of your home. A ceramic or clay pot is best suited for planting, since the roots of Zamioculcas are powerful and, when growing, can simply tear the plastic container.

The volume of the pot should not be large, about 3-4 cm larger than the diameter of the root system.

Leaf propagation

Zamioculcas also reproduces by leaf. This is one of the easiest ways. However, it will require more time than other methods. You need to separate a small leaf from the branch. It is deepened into loose soil or peat. The soil needs to be slightly moistened.

It is best to plant several leaves in the ground at once. This way the probability of obtaining planting material will be higher. The container with seedlings should be placed on a well-lit windowsill. It is necessary to create shading that protects from direct sunlight.

To obtain a tuber this way, you will need to wait several months. To speed up this process, you need to cover the container with leaves with polyethylene. This creates greenhouse conditions for the seedlings.

How to revive a houseplant?

The question often arises: how to revive zamioculcas that has begun to rot?
You need to immediately remove it from the pot, carefully free the roots from the ground and carefully examine them, rinse thoroughly in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Cut off all rotten areas with a sharp knife and peel back to healthy tissue. Be sure to sprinkle the sections with activated carbon powder. Let them dry for several hours.

In the meantime, also treat the pot with a solution of potassium permanganate, fill it with fresh soil and plant the zamioculcas again. Don't water it for a while. In the future, to avoid any troubles, try to avoid mistakes in care.

Be careful, poison!

Zamioculcas stems and leaves contain juice, which can cause a burn if it comes into contact with the skin. Since the plant is exotic, it can cause severe allergic reactions, so you need to keep it away from children and pets, and only work with gloves.

If you do get poisonous juice on your skin, immediately rinse the area under running water and lubricate it with a healing cream, for example, one containing panthenol. If juice gets into your eyes, rinse them with water and contact a specialist.

Signs and superstitions

The flowering of a dollar tree is such an unusual phenomenon that among the people it immediately acquired various signs. And the very name of this plant should also say something.

Signs associated with monetary wealth:

• In order for the dollar tree to bring financial well-being, you need to talk to it and ask for it. And it’s better on the new moon and on Tuesdays.
• You can put a cent coin in the tray, and put a cap made of a rolled dollar on the top of the flower-cob.
• You can water and spray Zamioculcas with special money water. Throw a couple of coins into a container of water for irrigation and let them lie there until the container is empty.
• If you want to give or have been given a dollar tree as a gift, you need to exchange a coin in return. Then it will bring wealth.

Women's happiness is another interesting name for this plant. This may be due to the characteristic elongated shape of the spadix flower.

• In order for the zamioculcas to bring happiness to its owner in her personal life, it must be given as a gift and not bought.
• To attract female happiness into the house, zamioculcas must bloom often and be healthy. Under no circumstances should you throw away a sick flower; it is better to try to cure it.