Reviving your zamioculcas. Quick gardening hacks for the popular 'iron' plant

A grown zamioculcas averages a height of 3.3 feet. Its defining characteristics are its long, thick stems adorned with lush, intensely green leaves. Experienced gardeners fondly nickname it the "iron" plant, as it thrives even in less than optimal conditions.

Cultivating zamioculcas is relatively straightforward. Providing it with the right conditions will yield an abundance of green leaves each year. That being said, it's not immune to damage - the plant can start to yellow, with leaves dropping from the stem. Let's explore why this happens.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions, zamioculcas has adapted remarkably well to harsh climates. As a result, it's quite easy to cultivate. It prefers warm and dry environments. It's even capable of surviving without water for a striking four months. Despite this, it doesn't imply that it is maintenance-free.

To ensure that your zamioculcas prosper year after year, tend to its soil requirements. It grows best in fertile, humus-rich, and porous soil with a slightly acidic pH value. Don't forget its lighting necessities either - zamioculcas thrives best under constant diffused light.

As for watering, you've probably gathered that zamioculcas isn't a particularly high-maintenance plant. Water it just when the top layer of the soil has fully dried out, which is roughly once every two weeks. Preferably, use soft and stale water.

Has your zamioculcas lost their firmness, and are leaves turning yellow? This may be a sign of over-watering. Thankfully, it's possible to save the plant. It requires two things: fresh substrate for zamioculcas, and an egg. Begin by extracting the plant from its pot. Discard the remnants of the old soil, replacing it with 0.08-0.1 feet of the new substrate. Next, place a raw egg in the center and position the plant atop it. Finish by covering it with soil. The calcium-rich eggshell provides the zamioculcas with essential nutrients for proper development. Soon, you'll notice new leaves sprouting from the stem.

Concerned about the offensive odor from a rotting egg in the pot in a short while? The solution is simple: poke two holes into it, akin to a blown egg. Problem solved!