Dollar tree or zamioculcas - a flower of celibacy

There are many plants shrouded in myths, legends and folk signs. Flower growers are quite superstitious people, so most of them listen carefully to such things. However, these "fairy tales" and "tales" do not always correspond to reality. It is known that many for some reason do not like the completely harmless flower Zamiokulkas. There are several interesting reasons for this dislike.

Name features

Zamioculcas is a beautiful evergreen plant that attracts attention with shiny light green leaves with a velvety surface pleasant to the touch. Perhaps because of the difficult-to-pronounce name of the flower, amateur flower growers invented a large number of other, simpler and sonorous names for it, for example:

Zamioculcas is known to all Russian flower growers.

• dollar tree (not to be confused with the "money tree" - a fat woman, or crassula);
• currency tree;
• "woman's happiness";
• "Flower of celibacy" or "flower of the old maid."

The plant is very popular with Russian indoor floriculture lovers for its unpretentiousness and long lifespan. It does not need to be watered a lot and abundantly.

The "dollar tree" has many other popular names, quite original

What does a dollar tree look like

It is not difficult to recognize the dollar tree. Zamioculcas can be easily distinguished from other plants by its characteristic features:

• A large number of thinner shoots depart from the powerful, well-developed trunk;
• Each branch from the base to the top is covered with small oval-shaped leaves of a light green color;
• The trunk is strong, solid, with a slight thickening in the lower part;
• Shoots are actively stretching upward, forming a lush crown.

There are several varieties of zamiokulkas. Each of them has its own scientific name and characteristic features. The most beautiful look looks like a charm.

How the dollar tree blooms

Unlike leaves, zamiokulkas flowers are quite invisible and do not represent aesthetic value. They are narrow arrows with an ear in a green "wrapper", reminiscent of corn. The color of the inflorescences may vary. The following colors are considered the most common:

• White;
• Cream;
• Light yellow;
• Beige.

Flowering in natural habitat does not differ in duration. This phenomenon is extremely rare, but quite possible.

Types of dollar tree

The dollar tree is easy to care for. However, its different types require a different approach. Some varieties need more intensive watering, some - better tolerate drought. The same goes for feeding. The following varieties are considered the most unpretentious:

• The black;
• Equal;
• Variegated;
• Zamifolia.

These species have good immunity to diseases, pests and parasites.

Zamioculcas black

It is a small, compact dollar tree. This type is sometimes called "Black". Its height at home does not exceed 1.5 m. The leaves of a young flower are light green, over time they begin to darken and acquire a dark color. Because of this, this species got its name. The homeland of black zamiokulkas is Madagascar. It is almost never found in domestic flower shops, so it is not easy to plant it. Proper care is timely watering and pruning.

Zenzi

This variety is found in Russia more often than black zamioculcas. Zenzi zamioculcas is unpretentious and easily adapts to any conditions, this is a real long-lived plant. Domestic flower growers love this species for its compact crown shape and spectacular appearance of dark green, emerald openwork leaves. It cannot bloom at home.

Zamifolia

Zamifolia zamioculcas blooms at home somewhat more often than other species. However, to increase the likelihood of flowering, it is necessary to pay great attention to the plant: regularly apply top dressing and prevent the soil from drying out (or waterlogging). This species is native to Africa. Florists love Zamifolia for its spreading crown and a cascade of graceful elongated leaves.

Zamifolia does not like wind and drafts

Raven

Raven (or "Crow") zamiokulkas has a spreading, lush crown and needs regular pruning for its correct formation. Pruning should only be carried out with protective gloves so that the milky sap from the damaged parts of the flower does not cause skin burns. The color of the leaves is very dark, saturated, their shape is oblong.

Zamioculcas variegated

With proper care, the height of an adult specimen at home can reach 1.5 m. The leaves are oval, light green, with slightly pointed ends, on the branches are located in groups of several pieces. The plant loves good lighting and does not tolerate shade, partial shade well.

Zamioculcas zamielistny

This is a rather rare type of dollar flower. It got its name due to the fact that it resembles a little zamia - a rare plant from America. The leaf cuttings are very thick and have the ability to accumulate moisture, so the plant perfectly tolerates even prolonged drought. This species has the most powerful root system, it also has an amazing ability to absorb and accumulate moisture.

Zamielistny zamioculcas loves fertile soil and always reacts well to mineral fertilizing. With a deficiency of fertilizers, the flower begins to develop worse. One of the main disadvantages of this variety is very slow growth. Because of this, growers often prefer other types of dollar trees. In a zamielistny species, the leaves often turn yellow, usually this is due to an excess of moisture, but there may be other reasons (poor soil, low temperature in the apartment, death of the root system). You need to take care of this species very carefully.

Dollar tree in the house: signs and superstitions

The dollar, or currency tree is a plant overgrown with myths, legends and superstitions. The most common ones are listed below:

• The plant drives out all the stronger sex from the apartment (a similar superstition is associated with the Phalaenopsis orchid);
• If the leaves of the zamioculcas began to fall off, this portends large financial losses (for example, theft or loss);
• A healthy, strong flower, even if it cannot bloom, attracts financial well-being, happiness and good luck to the house;
• Zamioculcas helps unmarried girls find and keep a suitable chosen one.

Whether it is worth believing these signs, each grower makes a decision independently. However, to date, none of the above signs has been proven by science. Most likely, the origin of most superstitions is associated with the unusual appearance of the zamiokulkas.

At the same time, scientists have proven that this flower cleans the air well and, despite the toxicity of the juice, does not poison the atmosphere when grown at home. These beneficial properties speak for themselves. Shop owners of ornamental plants claim that various types of zamiokulkas are consistently in high demand among customers.

There are many superstitions associated with the flower, not all of them should be believed

Why Zamioculcas is called the flower of celibacy

In many countries, it is believed that zamioculcas is a celibate flower. The main reason is the peculiar shape of its flowers. However, you should not believe this sign, if only because the plant has another, directly opposite popular name - "female happiness". Supporters of the second name believe that the plant, on the contrary, attracts love to the house and helps young girls to successfully marry.

A large number of signs are associated with material well-being. It is believed that the appearance of a new soft green leaf on a dollar tree (and this happens quite often) attracts good luck in money. Supporters of this omen argue that after the appearance of a fresh leaf, one should expect a big win in the lottery, receive a raise in salary or a bonus in rubles (dollars). However, with poor care, new leaves appear quite rarely due to the slow growth rate of the flower, so it is rather difficult to test this hypothesis at home.

It is interesting that zamioculcas is considered to be a "dollar" tree. Perhaps due to the light green color of the leaves of most varieties. Another version of the money tree - the bastard (crassula), on the contrary, is called "ruble", for the similarity of small thick leaves with shiny coins. Both types are very popular with Russian flower growers, and both are unpretentious. However, correct pruning of zamiokulkas is much easier.

Zamioculcas is poisonous or not

It is impossible to call a plant poisonous in the literal sense of the word, in itself it does not pose any danger to the health and life of people. However, if the trunk and branches are mechanically damaged (for example, during pruning, transplanting or reproduction), milky sap begins to emerge from the place of the "scar". It is irritating to human skin and mucous membranes. The most typical symptoms of a lesion are:

• Tingling sensation;
• Redness;
• Itching;
• Burning.

These symptoms usually disappear quickly after the contact between the skin and the flower has ceased. However, in children and adults prone to allergies, contact with the poisonous sap of the plant can cause eczema or hives; in severe cases, Quincke's edema may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

Poisonous juice is especially dangerous for children under three years old. However, there is a plus in the poisonousness of the flower: zamiokulkas is very rarely affected by pests and parasites. To minimize the release of poisonous juice during pruning, the procedure must be carried out with sharply sharpened scissors or a special pruner. Fresh cuts must be sprinkled with powdered charcoal, so they will tighten faster and no harmful juice will be released.

Zamioculcas juice can cause burns

Can I keep at home

The indoor plant zamiokulkas has both loyal fans and desperate haters. It would be wiser to stick to the "golden mean". This flower is one of the many common indoor plants in Russia. If the grower is not embarrassed by the slow growth and lack of flowers, you can safely plant a pale green dollar tree on the windowsill.There will definitely not be any harm from it, only the improvement of the indoor air.

There is nothing wrong with keeping zamiokulkas at home

In the 21st century, there are hardly any people who blindly believe in omens. However, it is still worth treating the dollar tree with caution, the main thing is to understand why. The reason is not "a bad influence on men in the house", but the poisonous properties of a flower in a pot confirmed by science. The dollar tree is perfect for decorating offices and lounges. However, it is not recommended for everyone to keep it at home. If there are small children and pets at home, it is better to plant another, more harmless flower in the interior.

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