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Zamioculcas, or the “dollar tree,” has long won the love of gardeners and indoor plant lovers due to its unpretentiousness and elegant appearance. However, even this hardy handsome man can begin to wither, and then the owner finds himself faced with a dilemma: what went wrong? If your Zamioculcas has lost its shine and healthy appearance, do not rush to panic - the problem can most likely be solved quite quickly.
Pay attention to the condition of the leaves. If they turn yellow or dry, this is a signal that the plant is under stress. The most common cause is improper watering. Zamioculcas is a succulent, which means that it stores moisture in its fleshy roots and leaves. Excessive watering can be fatal for this plant. Check the soil: if it is too wet, let it dry completely. It is important that the pot has drainage holes and that excess water does not stagnate.
If the soil is dry and the leaves still wilt, the problem may be a lack of moisture. In summer, the plant needs more water than in winter, but it should only be watered when the soil is dry to a depth of 3–4 cm.
Particular attention should be paid to lighting. Although Zamioculcas tolerates partial shade, prolonged lack of light can weaken it. Place the plant closer to a window, but avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. If your Zamioculcas is in a dark corner, consider additional lighting with a plant lamp.
Another common cause of stunting is uneven growth due to poor or depleted soil. Zamioculcas likes a light, well-drained substrate enriched with minerals. Feed it with a special fertilizer for succulents or an all-purpose one, but use only half the recommended dose to avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of the roots.
If the air in your apartment is too dry, especially in winter due to heating, the plant may suffer. Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray it with room temperature water, but make sure that water does not accumulate at the roots.
Sometimes wilting can be caused by disease or pests. Carefully inspect the leaves, stems, and soil. If you notice spider mites, scale insects, or mealybugs, use special pest control products.
