What is ‘Zanzibar Gem’?
The ‘zanzibar gem’, or Zamioculca (not to be confused with zebra binoculars {yes they do exist…}, or the Hoodoo Guru’s ‘I’ve never been to Zanzibar’) is one of our favourite plants. It should be high on any list of faves in my {humble} opinion. It’s also in Costa’s top three in this Gardening Australia article.
Why is it so great?
Well, so many reasons! Firstly, it’s leaves are lovely and glossy. Secondly, studies have shown it to be beneficial in improving air-quality. And thirdly, because it’s just so easy to look after, as long as you don’t water it very much. Yes, that’s right, don’t water it… not much at all. I think that’s pretty awesome for a plant that looks and keeps so well in the unforgiving indoor environment. You can go on holiday and this little (though they can get bigger) plant will be happy no worries.
How do I care for it?
The care-tags on the plant will tell you more, but from my experience it does best with the tiniest watering every month or so, depending how drying the weather/air-conditioning has been. The main thing is to make sure it is never saturated or sitting in water. I usually water at the edge of the pot so the main rhizome and stalks of the plant are never really, really wet.
Tesselaar Flowers also has some notes about it here.
Where can I buy it?
From us, silly. Also your local nursery should have them if you can’t make it in : )
Would my Aunt Nina like it?
Yes, yes she would. She can sit it on the side table in the corner near the bench seat overlooking the side yard. You know the one I mean.
