Tips and Tricks
Zamioculcas (ZZ plant)
ZZ plants are suitable for indoor conditions and do best with very little maintenance.
Although ZZ plants prefer medium light, they will maintain their health and appearance in low light conditions for extended periods of time.
ZZ plants have underground potato like tubers that store water allowing the plants to tolerate drought conditions. Lower light conditions will reduce the amount of water a ZZ plant requires.
The following information will help you to take EASY care of your Natural Element ZZ plant:
- Pour a small amount of water into the root zone area of the plant just until water begins to pool at the bottom of the glass container
- Do not allow excess water to sit in the bottom of the container as this will cause the ZZ tubers to rot
- A light application of fertilizer can be used on a monthly basis during increased light periods
Tips and Tricks for ZZ in glass:
To drain the container of excess water; first, place a covering of saran wrap over the surface of the stones. Second, place one hand over the saran wrap and stones then turn the container on its side until the excess water drains out.
Allowing excess water to remain in the container for longer than a few hours may result in rot. Once rot sets in to a tuber there is usually no hope to reverse the process. There are, however, multiple tubers in the root zone area. Unless you have continuously over-watered; it is likely that one or more tubers will remain unaffected and only a portion of the upper stem and leaves will be lost.
Signs of over-watering and/or bulb rot are yellowing leaves at the base of a stem.
Under-watering will cause the upper leaves to loose their thick fleshy characteristic and take on a more ‘paper like’ look. A simple, normal watering will restore the leaves in a few days time.
Your ZZ plant will require less water if placed in a low light area.
If your ZZ plant is placed in an area with no natural light and you want to encourage new growth; you can expose it to medium light for a month to a few months once per year to allow the plant to build up a reserve of new energy to provide for new growth.
Point of interest: Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant) is native to Africa where it grows as a perennial in dry soil.
Beaucarnea (Ponytail Palm)
Ponytail Palms are suitable for indoor conditions and require little maintenance.
Although Ponytail Palms prefer med to high light; they will maintain their health and appearance in medium to low light.
Ponytail Palms store moisture reserves in their swollen bulb-like base at the soil surface.
This feature allows the plant to tolerate drought conditions. Lower light conditions will reduce the amount of water a Ponytail Palm requires.
The following information will help you to take EASY care of your Natural Element Ponytail Palm:
- Pour a small amount of water into the root zone area of the plant just until water begins to drain down in to the rock and sand area.
- Do not allow excess water to sit in the bottom of the container as this may encourage a buildup of residue over time.
- A light application of fertilizer can be used on a monthly basis during increased light periods
Tips and Tricks for Ponytail Palm in glass:
Occasional water in the sand layer is not a concern and some evaporation will take place between watering intervals.
In the case that you do need to drain excess water; place one hand securely over the moss surface and gently turn the container on its side until the excess water drains out. A tight hold on top of the moss will reduce shifting of the sand layers. If shifting does occur; voila – you have created a new masterpiece!
Keep the container out of direct sunlight to avoid algae formation in the sand layers.
A common sign of over-watering is the center core of new leaves rotting off at the base (of leaves) and easily pulled out of the crown (of the bulb). New growth will generate from the crown of the bulb if watering is adjusted. Make a new habit of allowing the soil to become completely dry between watering to correct the problem. New sprouts of growth may also appear to the side of the old crown.
Underwatering will result in crisp browning leaves. Leaves may curl inward from the leaf margins. Curling at the leaf tips is a natural formation and will increase with plant maturity.
Some leaf tip browning is natural and can be trimmed off as required.
Point of interest: Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm) is native to Central America where it grows (slowly) to tree form of 6 feet or more.
