Zanzibar Gem – Indestructible Indoor Plant
Episode: #2 17/03/07
Presenter: Phil Dudman
So many of us love to have indoor plants around the home and office because they give the place such a cheery feel, but a lot of people tend to struggle to keep them looking good.
One question that comes up time and time again is watering. How much and how often should we water our indoor plants?
You may be surprised to learn that in many cases, indoor plants tend to suffer. Not because they do not get enough but because they get too much water. And often the problem comes down to the little dishes that we use to sit under the pot. They do a great job protecting the surface from excess moisture, but if your plants are left sitting in that water for a few days it can be devastating.
So what does it do?
All the little air pockets in the potting mix fill up with water, and the roots become totally saturated. They like to be moist, that is for sure. But roots need a bit of air too, otherwise they rot. When they do, they stop taking up moisture and the plant goes into serious decline.
Phil’s tip for watering indoor plants is to let them dry out a bit first. If you are not sure, just stick your finger in the mix. If it feels moist, it does not need watering. If it is dry, then give it a good soaking. Phil likes to dunk the pot in a bucket or a sink full of water for 15 minutes or so, and then let it drain completely before returning it to it is original position.
If you have struggled to care for indoor plants in the past, then you are going to love Zanzibar Gem (Zamiocilcas zamiifolia (‘Zanzibar GemR’), an unusual and interesting plant with long succulent stems and deep green shiny leaves. This plant thrives on neglect!
It looks very stylish in simple glazed pots and you can display them just about anywhere indoors, because they thrive even in those dark corners where most plants tend to fail. They will grow outdoors as well and if you have got a spot in the shade where it is really dry, then this plant would be ideal.
But the big thing is, the Zanzibar Gem does not care if you forget to water it. In fact it prefers that you don’t, and it will carry on for months on end without even a drop of water.
What more could you ask for? A smart looking indoor plant that is almost indestructible. Phil reckons every home and office should have at least one Zanzibar Gem.
Zanzibar Gem
For more information about the Zanzibar Gem visit Oud’s Amazone Trading website: www.amazone.com.au
Presenter: Phil Dudman
So many of us love to have indoor plants around the home and office because they give the place such a cheery feel, but a lot of people tend to struggle to keep them looking good.
One question that comes up time and time again is watering. How much and how often should we water our indoor plants?
You may be surprised to learn that in many cases, indoor plants tend to suffer. Not because they do not get enough but because they get too much water. And often the problem comes down to the little dishes that we use to sit under the pot. They do a great job protecting the surface from excess moisture, but if your plants are left sitting in that water for a few days it can be devastating.
So what does it do?
All the little air pockets in the potting mix fill up with water, and the roots become totally saturated. They like to be moist, that is for sure. But roots need a bit of air too, otherwise they rot. When they do, they stop taking up moisture and the plant goes into serious decline.
Phil’s tip for watering indoor plants is to let them dry out a bit first. If you are not sure, just stick your finger in the mix. If it feels moist, it does not need watering. If it is dry, then give it a good soaking. Phil likes to dunk the pot in a bucket or a sink full of water for 15 minutes or so, and then let it drain completely before returning it to it is original position.
If you have struggled to care for indoor plants in the past, then you are going to love Zanzibar Gem (Zamiocilcas zamiifolia (‘Zanzibar GemR’), an unusual and interesting plant with long succulent stems and deep green shiny leaves. This plant thrives on neglect!
It looks very stylish in simple glazed pots and you can display them just about anywhere indoors, because they thrive even in those dark corners where most plants tend to fail. They will grow outdoors as well and if you have got a spot in the shade where it is really dry, then this plant would be ideal.
But the big thing is, the Zanzibar Gem does not care if you forget to water it. In fact it prefers that you don’t, and it will carry on for months on end without even a drop of water.
What more could you ask for? A smart looking indoor plant that is almost indestructible. Phil reckons every home and office should have at least one Zanzibar Gem.
Zanzibar Gem
- Very hardy indoor foliage plant.
- Tolerant of low light levels.
- Requires minimal care.
- Presented in 24cm ceramic square pot.
- Colour of ceramics may vary.
For more information about the Zanzibar Gem visit Oud’s Amazone Trading website: www.amazone.com.au
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