If you thought your relationship with plants would never improve and that you would have to settle for the fake or synthetic ones, which, although they have evolved a lot and some almost look natural even in their price, we have good news.
We asked a plant expert about the species that is almost impossible to kill and that is suitable for those who don’t have a green thumb or any, and this is his recommendation: the Zamioculcas, popularly known as the ZZ plant by its scientific name (‘Zamioculcas zamiifolia‘). According to Javier Pérez, founder of Baom, a horticulture center and landscape architecture studio, “there are several plants that adapt very well indoors and practically require little care, but one of the most recommended is the Zamioculcas. It is tough, grateful, and perfect for people with little experience or little time.”
The expert puts forward three compelling reasons that justify his choice: “It does not require a specific exposure to light, does not need pruning, and its watering is very spaced out. Additionally, it stores water in its roots, which allows it to withstand long periods without watering.” It would only be missing to survive in a bathroom with no window, and although it could do it, “it would not be a healthy plant nor look pretty. To keep it in good condition, it needs at least some ambient light.”
A tropical origin
Originating from Tanzania, its natural habitat with long periods of very dry climate alternating with torrential rains has forged its character and its ability to store water and nutrients, to which it can turn during weeks. Exuberant and beautiful, it is not known for rapid growth, but that doesn’t matter when you know it will be with you for a long time. Among all that greenery, only one caveat remains: it is toxic if ingested, so watch out if you have children or pets.
Como almacena agua en sus raíces puedes espaciar sus riegos.
General care
You can rest assured, even if you go on vacation and forget to ask your mother, neighbor, or sister to water it. According to the expert, “the watering frequency depends always on the temperature and the humidity of the space where it is placed. As a general reference, every two weeks is usually enough. It’s important not to overwater, as it does not tolerate excess water.” Additionally, to keep it looking pretty he recommends “a loose substrate, rich in nutrients, and slightly acidic, that allows good drainage to prevent waterlogging.”
Its weaknesses
The same thing that makes it strong is its Achilles’ heel. Since its leaves store water, “if you water it more than necessary, the roots can rot and the plant will deteriorate,” says the founder of Baom. Another aspect to watch out for is direct sun: “sunlight passing through glass can create a magnifying-glass effect and burn parts of the leaves. Therefore, the ideal is a medium-light orientation.”
La ubicación y pasarse con el agua son los dos errores más habituales.
Other plants almost as easy to care for
When we asked the expert about other resistant options that require hardly any care, a few well-known names come up, such as “pothos, snake plant (mother-in-law’s tongue), and, of course, cacti.” The pothos is a classic indoor plant. Strong and very decorative, it’s perfect on top of a bookcase, it only needs a location with plenty of light, but indirect. It also has a bonus: purifies and cleans the air. The snake plant is another all-terrain plant that also needs no introduction and stands out for its long stiff, pointed leaves and for attracting abundance and prosperity into your home, according to Feng Shui. Finally, cacti with more than 2,500 varieties. You can have them living in full sun or in the shade, for small apartments or houses with no space issues, with or without flowers…
The most common mistakes
Having your indoor plants look splendid and healthy isn’t as complicated as it might seem, whether you are a beginner or you still remember the time a cactus was left in your care and didn’t survive 15 days. The first thing you need to know is what you’re facing. Often you’re dazzled by one and take it home without knowing its name, species, and essential needs. However, according to the expert, almost all of us fall into two mistakes: overwatering and placing them near radiators or heat sources are the most common. Both actions can be deadly, even for the most resilient plants.
To balance the mess and be able to boast about beautiful plants, the Baom founder gives three foolproof tips: respect the appropriate watering frequency. Use an appropriate substrate and ⟨abonar periodically⟩ to provide the necessary nutrients.
