How to protect the "dollar tree" from pests and diseases

Zamioculkas is a beautiful ornamental shrub from the Aroid family. This evergreen ornamental plant with a gorgeous crown and dark green foliage. But after a certain period after the zamiokulkas was planted in open ground, its leaves turn yellow. In this article we will look at why this is happening, and also figure out how to deal with the problem.

Dark spots on zamiokulkas leaves: what to do?

Zamiokulkas, like all other ornamental plants, have diseases: dark spots can appear on its leaves. Such a nuisance happens if the shrub was in a low temperature for a long time or stood in a draft. Also, excessive watering leads to leaf darkening. The way out of this situation is quite simple: it is necessary to bring the heat and water regimes back to normal, eliminate the stagnation of the liquid and stop overwetting.

How to cure a plant from root rot

If the zamiokulkas had dark spots on the stem, this is the first sign of root rot. The cause of rotting of the root system, rolling on the trunk, is excessive watering at low temperatures.

Important! Zamioculkas loves warmth, but does not tolerate heat. Humidity needs to be maintained also moderate, but the plant tolerates drought. It can be compared with a camel, since nature has prepared a zamiokulkas for the possibility of accumulating water in reserve.
Heavy clay soil can not provide good drainage and effective ventilation, and therefore root and stem rot occurs. For this reason, the bush most often dies. But it is still possible to save the first days, if you dig up a tuber and remove all the affected processes, and sprinkle the slices with ground coal. If the zamiokulkas are sick and dark spots appear on the trunk, then the whole plant, including the roots, needs to be treated with broad-spectrum fungicides, for example, Oxyf or Fundazol. Then plant in a new pot with completely replaced soil. If the process of decay is already irreversible, then the tuber must be cut off and discarded, and the leaves used for further reproduction.

Did you know? Zamioculkas was discovered by botanists as early as 1830. The first copies of this ornamental shrub were found on the mountain plateaus of East Africa.

How to make Zamiokulkas bloom

Zamioculkas is such a representative of the decorative flora, the cultivation and maintenance of which in the home environment requires certain conditions. Modes of light, heat and watering should be as natural as possible.

Since the Zamiokulkas hails from the warm edges of the vastness of Africa and the rocky plateaus, it certainly will not bloom on the north side of the house or apartment. To make this ornamental shrub to bloom, it is necessary to water it infrequently from April to the end of summer — once every two weeks, feed it with fertilizers for cacti and succulents, wipe or wash the leaves and maintain the temperature in the range of 18-20 ° C. If you do not expect flowering Zamiokulkas, then this flower will be one of the most unpretentious in growing. This unusual decorative indoor plant will decorate any interior, even if it does not bloom.

Why leaves dry and fall

If your zamiokulkasa (also called"dollar tree") leaves curl, then dry and fall off, then you should not panic. This mainly happens with the lower lobes of the leaf. This is a natural aging process. If all parts of the plant begin to fall off gradually, it means that there are some errors in the care of it. The cause can also serve as a variety of mechanical damage.

Did you know? Zamioculkas gained great popularity in China. There he is called the "golden tree" either"Chinese New Year Holiday Plant".

Why do leaves of zamiokulkas turn yellow

If a zamiokulkas has lost its former healthy appearance, the leaves turn yellow and fall off, it means that he has become ill with something. Although this statement is not always true. The thing is that this ornamental shrub grows very slowly. With the formation of new leaves, the old ones begin to fade, gradually turning yellow and drying out. The stalks of a flower can become covered with dark spots, but, as described earlier, this is not 100% of the time it can mean that the plant is sick. If there is a growth of new shoots, and the spots are dry, then everything is in order. Yellowed leaves are recommended to be removed when they are completely dry.

What if zamiokulkas yellow leaves? In the event that new shoots do not grow after that, urgent measures are needed. A change in the color of the foliage can serve as an indicator of a sudden change in temperature, pest damage, drafts or insufficient watering. You need to accurately determine the cause of the appearance of yellow leaves, and then take the necessary measures to eliminate them.

Shchitovka on zamiokulkas

Shchitovki usually fall on succulent from neighboring plants. At first, they are almost imperceptible, but multiply at high speed. A clear sign of their appearance will be the darkening of the stems. Adults, due to their low mobility, can be removed with a damp sponge. The larvae are destroyed by spraying the plants with soapy water or insecticides. Well helps "Aktara".

How to get rid of spider mites

Spider mite likes dry air. You can determine its appearance by a thin white web in the internodes. With a strong activity of this pest leaves zamiokulkasa begin to turn yellow and fall away. You can destroy spider mites with soapy water or tobacco extract. After treatment, the plant should be washed with plenty of warm water. If this does not help, enter the insecticide "Akarin" or "Antikleshch." It is possible to spray Zamiokulkas, but it should be done in non-residential premises.

Did you know? Some sources claim that zamiokulkas is poisonous. He, like other aroid, contains in all its parts derived oxalic acid-calcium oxalate, which, when taken internally, can cause pain in the mouth and throat, allergic reactions, but does not lead to fatal poisoning.

How to fight and how to detect aphid on zamiokulkas

Aphids are small insects that settle on the underside of the leaves. It can be green, gray or black. Aphid sucks zamiokulkas juices, and its leaves begin to gradually curl and dry. Aphid multiplies incredibly fast. You can kill it with a solution of nicotine, which is prepared as follows: 1 g of nicotine, 1 g of sulfate, 1 liter of soapy water.

Why mealy worms appear and how to get rid of them

Another pest of Zamiokulkas is powdery worms. This is the most dangerous insect from the order of insects, which affects indoor plants. Harm to the plant is caused by both adults and larvae. They feed on the sap of leaves, shoots and buds.

Important! Meal worms are difficult to destroy, and for the most successful result it is necessary to regularly treat the plant at the intervals indicated in the instructions for the preparations.
Mealy worms appear due to incorrect content of zamiokulkas:
  • If in a room with a plant the temperature is below 18 degrees.
  • Too moist or contaminated soil.
  • There is no regular care for shrubs.
  • Dead elements are not removed in time.
There are two stages of defeat of the Zamiokulkas with powdery worms, which require different methods of dealing with them:
  1. Easy infection. Treatment at this stage of infection is not difficult. All infected areas should be wiped with cotton dipped in soapy water. During the month, weekly, you must spray the plant with tincture of tobacco, decoction of cyclamen or onion solution. You can wipe and antiseptic alcohol tincture of calendula.
  2. Severe infection. In this case, stronger means are already being introduced. Weekly you need to spray one of the drugs: "Aktar", "Confidor", "Fitoderm", "Biotlin" or "Tanrek".

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