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How to Grow and Care for ZZ Indoor Plants

26 November 2023Indoor Plants, Blog, Plant care, ZZ plantbest indoor plants, easy ways to propagate zz plant, giant indoor plants, how to care for a raven zz plant, how to care for houseplants, how to care for zz plant, how to care for zz plant indoor, how to grow zz plant, how to propagate zz plant, how to repot zz plant, indoor plant care, indoor plants, indoor plants for beginners, low light indoor plants, plant care, zz plant, zz plant care, zz plant how to care for, zz plant propagation, zz plant soilNeeraj

ZZ plants, scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. They are considered perennial indoor plants and are well-suited for various locations within a home. They are recognized for their low-maintenance characteristics and are often used as decorative elements. Understanding the specific needs of ZZ plants is essential for their successful growth.

In this article, we will discuss key steps on how to grow and care for ZZ plants at home.

ZZ plants known for Air-purifying qualities

ZZ plants are recognized for their air-purifying qualities and ability to contribute to oxygen levels in indoor environments. These plants are often included in lists of air-purifying houseplants because they can help remove certain toxins from the air and enhance indoor air quality.

Preferred Season and Temperature

ZZ plants thrive in typical summer conditions and can prosper year-round in regions without harsh winters.

During winter, they may face challenges such as yellowing leaves and occasional branch loss. However, they generally remain manageable and tend to recover independently once the weather shifts.
The optimal season for their growth is spring, with an ideal temperature range of 15-25°C.

Types of ZZ plant

ZZ plants come in two varieties: Green ZZ and Black ZZ.

Mature black ZZ plants feature leaves with a blackish hue, while their smaller leaves initially exhibit a green color.

On the other hand, green ZZ plants maintain their characteristic green leaves throughout their growth.

How to Get ZZ Plant

From Nursery
Green ZZ plants are readily available at all nurseries, while black ZZ plants can be found at select renowned nurseries. They are also easily accessible online, though prices may be comparatively higher.

A medium-sized ZZ plant typically costs between Rs 150-200, and prices increase with the size of the plant.

Propagation Methods

➢ By bulbs
ZZ plants propagate through bulbs in their roots.

By carefully separating a healthy ZZ plant from its dense growth, you can collect a ZZ plant along with its bulb and nurture a new plant using this method.

➢ By stem
ZZ plants can also be grown from stem cuttings.

Simply place cut pieces of the stem into the soil, and you can cultivate a new plant from these cuttings.

➢ By leaves
ZZ plants can be propagated through leaves as well.

By placing the leaves in the soil mixture, a new plant will emerge after some time.

Preferred Pots for ZZ plants

1. ZZ plant can thrive in the same pot for years

ZZ plants thrive when their roots are tightly bound, this condition encourages robust leaf growth. However, they are not fond of frequent pot changes or relocations. Once comfortably settled, a ZZ plant can thrive in the same pot for years.

Note:

When obtained from a nursery, it is recommended to refrain from repotting the plant for a minimum of three months after purchase.

2.Versatile pot types
ZZ plants are versatile in terms of pot types—they can be grown in ceramic, clay, plastic, soil, cement, or metal pots.

The choice of pot material depends on the plant’s placement; for decorative purposes, ceramic pots are a great option. However, it’s recommended to avoid using grow bags.

3. Repotting Guidelines
When repotting, always choose a pot that is 1 or 2 sizes larger than the current one.

Going beyond that size increase is not advisable for the well-being of the ZZ plant.

Sunlight and Location for ZZ plants

The ZZ plant does not thrive in direct sunlight or exposure to rainwater, as its leaves are prone to drying out in heat.

To ensure its well-being, it is recommended to keep the ZZ plant indoors, away from direct sunlight and rain exposure.
Choose a location inside the home with bright, medium, or low light for the optimal growth of the plant. Despite being a slow-growing plant, it flourishes best in an area with bright light.

Read article on:

Different Lighting Areas for Plants

Watering tips for ZZ plants

Moisture Retention:

The bulbs of ZZ plants are adept at retaining moisture, making them well-suited for minimal watering. Typically kept indoors away from direct sunlight, the soil tends to stay wet for extended periods.

Check soil condition before watering to ZZ plant

To gauge the need for watering, insert a stick into the soil, reaching the bottom where the bulbs are located. If the soil is dry at that depth, move the plant outdoors and water it generously until drainage occurs from the bottom hole.

After-Watering Care:

After watering, spray water on the leaves and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Once water stops draining from the bottom hole and the leaves have dried (usually after 2-3 hours), relocate the plant back indoors. This careful watering routine contributes to maintaining the ZZ plant’s health and well-being.

Importance of Careful Watering:

Careful watering is crucial for ZZ plants due to their delicate bulbs, which can be adversely affected if not handled with care.

Overwatering may lead to bulb melting or rotting, with the plant showing signs such as yellowing leaves and drooping stems. If these indications are observed, a thorough inspection is essential.

Dealing with Bulb Rot:

If bulb rot is detected, remove the ZZ plant from its pot and examine the bulbs.

Any rotted bulbs should be removed, cleaned, and surrounded with soil or coco peat to enhance soil dryness.
It is important to note that the rotting of one bulb can impact others. After thorough cleaning, repot the plant with a well-balanced soil mixture to ensure continued health.

Resilience to Underwatering:

ZZ plants are resilient to underwatering, but caution must be exercised to avoid overwatering.

Determining the frequency of watering can be challenging due to varying weather conditions across regions.
As a general guideline, individuals in North India often check every 20 days by inserting a stick into the soil to assess its moisture content.

“Watering is recommended when the soil is completely dry at the bottom of the pot, creating a balanced and suitable environment for the ZZ plant.”

How to prepare Soil mixture for ZZ plant

1. Collect local garden soil:

Begin by collecting local garden soil for the ZZ plant. Ensure the soil is clean by removing any debris or glass pieces.

2. Add Compost in the soil

For a well-balanced soil mix, add compost which should be half the amount of soil.
You can choose from various compost options such as vermicompost, kitchen compost, cow dung compost, or leaf compost.

3. Add Sand in the soil

Include construction sand in approximately ¾ of the compost quantity.
Adding sand to the soil promotes good drainage.

4. Add cocopeat in the soil

To further enhance the soil mixture, consider adding a small amount of cocopeat.
Coco peat is effective in retaining water. It has excellent water-holding capacity, helping the soil stay moist for a longer time.
However, in regions where temperatures are not excessively high, cocopeat can be omitted.

5. Optionally, add perlite and vermiculite in small quantities.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, and your ZZ plant’s soil is ready for use.

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Happy Gardening!

FAQs on Snake Plant

1 November 2023FAQs, BlogFAQs on snake plant, frequently asked questions on snake plamt, how to care for a snake plant, how to care for snake plant, how to grow snake plant, plant care, sansevieria plant care, snake plant, snake plant benefits, snake plant care, snake plant care guide, snake plant care guide indoor, snake plant care indoor, snake plant care indoors, snake plant care tips, snake plant fertilizing, snake plant light, snake plant propagation, snake plant repotting, snake plant soil, snake plant water, snake plant wateringNeeraj

Snake plant is popular indoor plant and known for being easy to care for. Snake Plant is also known for being one of the best air-purifying plants.

In this comprehensive guide, we aim to answer some most common frequently asked questions (FAQs) and provide you with a better understanding of how to take care your Snake plant.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Qs. 1: How often should I water my Snake plant?

Ans: Water the snake plant when the top inch or so of the soil is dry.

You can test the moisture level by inserting a finger or probe into the soil about 2 inches deep.
The frequency of watering may vary according to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

“Snake plants are hardy plants and quite tolerant of drought, so its is better to water them less frequently than to overwater them.”

watering snake plant

Qs 2: Can I use tap water to water my snake plant?

Ans: Yes, you can use tap water with a total dissolved solid (TDS) of less than 500.

Qs 3: Can Snake plants tolerate low light conditions?

Ans: Yes, snake plants can tolerate low light conditions, but they prefer bright indirect light for optimal growth.

They are one of the few plants that can thrive in low-light environments, but their growth may be slower in such conditions.

Qs 4: How often should I give fertilizer to my Snake plant?

Ans: Give fertilizer to your snake plant once every two months, preferably throughout the growing season, which is typically spring and summer.

Use a balanced, diluted, liquid houseplant fertilizer.

Qs 5: Can I place my Snake plant in direct sunlight?

Snake plant leaf burn — **Snake plant leaves sunburned**

Ans: No, avoid placing snake plants in direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn.

They are best suited for indirect sunlight, such as near a window with sheer curtains or in a room with bright but indirect natural light.

Qs 6: What should I do if my Snake plant’s leaves start to rot?

Ans: If your snake plant’s leaves are rotting, it’s important to address the issue promptly.

Remove the affected leaves immediately to prevent the rot from spreading.
Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil, and adjust the watering routine to prevent the soil from becoming excessively wet.
Ensure the pot has proper drainage to avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to rot.

Qs 7: How to propagate Snake plants?

Ans: You can propagate snake plants by dividing the rhizomes or by planting leaf cuttings. Separate the pups or cuttings and plant them in well-draining soil.

Qs 8: When to repot Snake plants?

Ans: Repot your snake plant when it becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years.

The best time for repotting is in the spring.

Qs 9: Can snake plants be grown outdoors?

Ans: While snake plants are commonly grown indoors, they can thrive outdoors in mild to warm climates, provided the conditions are suitable.

Qs 10: How to prevent pests on Snake plants?

Ans: To prevent pests like spider mites or mealybugs, use a neem water solution regularly and inspect your plant for infestations.

Keep the plant clean and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and pests.

Qs 11: Can snake plants be placed in the bedroom for air purification?

Ans: Yes, snake plants can be placed in the bedroom to improve air quality, but they need some light and should not be kept in the dark place.

Snake plant can grow in bright light, medium and low light as well.

Qs 12: Can snake plants survive in cold temperatures?

Ans: Yes, snake plants can survive in cold temperatures with proper care, but they thrive best in temperatures between 15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F).

Qs 13: How long does it take for Snake plants to produce pups?

Ans: Snake plants can produce pups within about 3 to 5 months, but the timing can vary based on conditions and the plant’s health.

Qs 14: Can Snake plants be grown in water?

Ans: Yes, snake plants can be propagated in water.

Place cuttings in a jar of water with the base submerged, change the water regularly, and eventually transfer the plant to soil for long-term growth.

Must read:

How to Grow and Care Snake Plant

Make Your Own Garden!

How to Repot a Plant

18 August 2023Bloghouse plants, how to care for plants, how to keep a plant alive, how to pot a houseplant, how to pot a plant, how to repot, how to repot a houseplant, how to repot a large plant, how to repot a plant, how to repot houseplants, how to repot nursery plants, how to repot overgrown zz plant, how to repot plants, how to repot zz plant, plant, plant care, plant shifting, plants, repot, repot a house plant, repot a plant, repotting plants, tips to repot a plant, when to repot new plantSudeepti Bajpai

Children and plants both are the purest gifts of nature. If you will love them they will love you back. More care and affection you shower on them, the happier they will grow up. When a child comes out from the mother’s womb, she needs all caution and protection to stay healthy and to adapt to new surroundings. Similarly, when new plants come to your place, you need to be very particular in taking care of them.

When we buy plants from the nurseries and bring them home, we need to shift them into a new pot. At the time of shifting, we need to follow the proper technique, otherwise, the plant will go under transplant shock and would not be able to recover back again.

So, in this article, I will share some of the key steps to repot the plant.

Steps to repot a plant

1. Soil

Take normal soil which is available at your place.
Make sure there are no traces of glass, plastic, or any garbage in it.
It should be clean soil. Make a firm powder of it with your hand, lumps should not be there.
Mix some sand also in it, it shields the soil to become stone.
Add coco peat also if you have any, it will help the soil to maintain its moisture. Otherwise, normal soil will also work perfectly.

2. Pot size

Normally, take a 10-inch size pot and make two drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. Cover these holes with any stone or paper, so that soil does not come out but it can shed extra water.

3. Fill the pot with the soil

Now, fill the pot with soil and keep on tapping in between to avoid air gaps in the soil. Maintain the level of soil properly.

4. Remove the plant from plastic

The next step is to remove the plant from the existing plastic pot.

Repotting at the correct time is important because sometimes the roots of the plant get bonded to each other and plants can come into problems.
If the roots are bounded to each other then first of all we need to open the bottom roots by removing their soil, then only these roots will be able to spread inside the pot properly.
Remove the soil carefully, it should not affect the main roots.

5. Shift the plant to a new pot

After opening the roots, now, we can place the plant in a new pot. Conceal the roots of the plant deep in the soil but make sure the stem is not going inside the soil. Otherwise, stems will start decaying inside the soil. After placing the plant inside the pot, fill the rest of the empty space in the pot with soil.

6. Watering

Give water to the plant in installments at a gap of a few minutes.
We need to give water to the plant till the point where excess water comes out from the drainage hole.
When water comes out from the drainage hole, it means roots at the bottom side also get water.
After that, if you feel there is any gap you can fill it with soil and adjust the position of your plant in the pot.

Now keep it in the shade for the next three days. It was all about shifting the plant to the new pot.

Enjoy Planting!!

Areca Palm Plant Complete Care

14 August 2023Indoor Plants, Blog, Plant careareca palm, areca palm care, areca palm care and tips, areca palm care hindi, areca palm care in hindi, areca palm care indoor, areca palm care indoors, areca palm care tips, areca palm diseases, areca palm fertilizer, areca palm plant, areca palm planting method, areca palm pot size, areca palm propagation, areca palm repotting, areca palm sunlight, areca palm tree, areca palm water, areca palms, areca soil, care for areca palm, care of areca palm, how to save areca palm, palm plant care, plant care, summer care of areca palmSudeepti Bajpai

All About Areca Palm Plant

1. Areca palm size

Areca palm plants are available in different sizes from 4 feet to 6 feet and some are very small called young plants.
You can keep plants of smaller sizes on the table also. You can buy it according to your needs.

2. Propagation of Areca palm

You can grow areca palm from seeds. Seeds are available in the market. This plant grows very slowly, seeds will take around 2-3 months to get germinated and they arrive with 1-2 leaves.
If you have a healthy and bushy Areca plant then you can divide it into many plants from the roots.
The best option for having this plant is to buy it from a nursery.

Choose healthy areca palms from the nursery.
If you see brown leaves or weak plants then don’t buy them.
Sometimes nursery people try to misguide you but we should monitor carefully before buying it. Select green and healthy plants.

3. Pot size for Areca Palm

We can grow this plant in any type (ceramic, plastic, clay, etc) of pot but select a medium size pot.
If you are not experienced with areca plants then, you should use clay pots over other pots.

4. Soil Mixture for Areca Palm plant

The soil of this plant should be well drained as well as compact.
The upper portion i.e. leaves of this plant are very big in size as compared to the roots.
If we take soft soil then, its roots and the grip of the plant inside the soil will get spoiled.
The plant won’t be able to stand straight, it will start bending after some time. If we take compact soil then it will help in keeping the plant straight.

We can take 60% of garden soil, 25% construction sand, and 15% compost for its soil mixture.
We should not add coco peat here plus we are keeping compost quantity also very low because both these things make the soil very soft.
You can add neem cake powder, fungicides, or any insecticides also in very small quantities.

5. Temperature requirement for Areca Palm

The ideal temperature for an areca plant is 15-25℃.
If the temperature goes beyond 30 degrees and below 11 degrees, this plant goes into stress.
Tips of the leaves start getting brown and the growth of the plant stops there only.

6. Sunlight requirement for Areca Palm

Areca palm plants need bright and indirect sunlight.
If you have kept it at places where light is dim like stairs or corridors then, its growth would stop there only.
There should not be direct sunlight falling also otherwise its leaves will start turning brown.
In fact, areca plants which are planted on the ground and have direct sunlight also face the issue of sunburn. Their leaves also burn and become brown.
If you want to keep Areca in the sun, then keep her in the same sunlight that you can bear.
Keep these plants near windows and doors where fresh air comes along with bright and indirect sunlight.

7. Watering for Areca Palm

The water requirement of this plant is different in comparison to other indoor plants.
Areca palm likes moisture very much so if the topsoil of this plant is completely dry then, the tip of the leaves will turn brown due to underwatering.
Check the top layer of soil with your hand and if you notice that it does not have any moisture in it then, give water. It can become completely dry if we do not give water at that time.
Give water in installments, like giving one mug of water first then, after some time one more mug and keep on giving in regular intervals till the point water comes out from the bottom drainage hole.
If the soil is wet and still you are giving water then, there would be a problem of over-watering. It might catch fungus and pests (like mealybugs and all), plus the tips of the leaves will turn brown. Roots will also get spoiled and it will damage the whole plant.
One more thing, If you give water again and again in wet soil, then some white thing starts accumulating in it. It can be fungus or salt present in water.

Now, You can care for your Areca Palm

Keep Planting!!!!

Best Indoor Plants

24 July 2023Blog, Indoor Plantsairpurifying plants, best indoor plants, best indoor plants for beginners, best indoor plants low light, gardening, good indoor plants, house plants, house plants indoor plants, indoor house plants, indoor plant care, indoor plant styling ideas, indoor plant tour, indoor plants, indoor plants for beginners, indoor plants india, low light indoor plants, low light plants, low maintenance indoor plants, must have indoor plants, plant care, plants, plants indoorsSudeepti

Indoor plants are thriving very much nowadays mainly used for giving positivity, and freshness, glorifying the different corners of homes, workplaces, and offices.

Luckily! we can keep some plants with us inside the house, even in the bedrooms.

Neither we will have any problem nor those plants will have any problems.

All about Indoor Plants

❖ Indoor plants absorb pollutants and all the harmful chemicals from the air.

❖ They reduce stress. Moreover, physically or psychologically they are also good for health.

❖ Most of the indoor plants are those plants that were lying under the trees in dense forests without any direct sunlight or water. They were growing on their own.

❖ Plants which were very beautiful and attractive, people got them from the forests to their homes. Later on in the research also they won the battle and proved beneficial for the health of human beings.

❖ So, by nature these plants do not need any direct sunlight or care. If you provide some direct sunlight it is good, if you can not provide it, it is ok for them.

❖ The biggest reason for the non-survival of indoor plants is overcared. They need the least care and maintenance.

❖ Steadily available in variable sizes.

Some of the small size indoor plants are amplified over here:

1) SNAKE PLANT – SANSEVIERIA

● They are called Snake plants due to their appearance.

●They are the best air purifier and oxygen-ceding plants.

● It can be kept in bright, medium, or low light.

●Give water when the soil inside is completely dry. Ideally, a gap of 7-8 days can be maintained in giving water.

● Its roots are very small, if the soil stays wet for a longer duration then the roots may lose their grip and its leaves might start shedding down.

● Overwatering is the main cause of the deterioration of this plant. Prevent leaves also from becoming wet.

● Its growing medium consists of normal garden soil and sand, little mustard cake fertilizer can also be added.

● Coco peat is not required because this plant does not need much water.

2 ) AGLAONEMA

● This beautiful plant stays best in bright or medium light. In direct strong sunlight, it goes under stress.

● Optimum water is needed by this one. Over-watering is the biggest reason, it starts rotting.

● Give water when the soil is completely dry. Some water can be sprayed on the leaves also to remove the dust from them.

● For its growing medium, normal soil, compost with sand, and topped with cocopeat can be opted for.

● Leaves and stems are very delicate, so try to use a spray bottle to give water and to prevent over-watering also.

3) GOLDEN MONEY PLANT ( Golden Pothos)

● The leaves of this one are yellowish which differentiates them from other Pothos (money plants).

● They look beautiful when kept in bright or medium light.

● If kept in direct sunlight, then leaves will start turning dark in the shade.

● In comparison to other indoor plants, they need a little more water. Neither over-watering nor under-watering is allowed here. Check the soil every 3-4 days and give water if the topsoil looks dry.

● In the growing medium, take normal soil, and a little bit of compost with sand.

4) PEACE LILY

● This indoor plant bears flowers but without any sunlight.

● This plant loves early morning sunlight otherwise do not place it in direct sunlight.

● Give water when the soil is dry.

● Mix sand and soil in a growing medium. Do not add coco peat.

5) SYNGONIUM

● This pretty plant comes in various colors.

● It grows very easily and can be kept in any corner where there is a bright, medium or low light.

● There should be some moisture in its soil. Check the soil every 3-4 days and give water followed by the spray.

● In the growing medium, keep the soil mixed with sand. Coco peat is not required here.

Some common key points of Indoor Plants

➔ All these indoor plants need fertilizers in the interval of 2 months. Any fertilizer can be given like cow dung, mustard cake, vermicompost, or any other.

➔ These plants grow very slowly except Pothos, so there is no need to change the pots for a year.

➔ Some of them emit carbon dioxide during the night but they would not affect the health of human beings as it is too less in quantity.

➔ There is no impact of room lights on these plants.

This is all about Indoor plants.

Happy Gardening!

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