The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, or ZZ plant, is an easy-to-care-for plant with thick, glossy leaves that will make any space in your home more vibrant.
Not only is this plant beautiful, but it’s also low maintenance. You won’t have to worry about watering it often or keeping it in direct sunlight. The ZZ plant can even survive in low light.
Let’s get started and learn all about the ZZ plant!
Table of Contents
What Is the ZZ Plant?
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a succulent that’s native to eastern Africa. It’s part of the aroid family, which includes well-known houseplants such as anthuriums, and calla lilies.
Unsurprisingly, this plant is commonly referred to as the ZZ plant. Other popular names are Zanzibar gem, emerald palm, and Aroid palm. Its thick, glossy leaves – which grow in pairs along the stems – are dark green and oval-shaped with pointed tips. The stems themselves are fleshy and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
As previously outlined, the ZZ plant is a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to care for. It’s drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods of dryness. It’s also tolerant of low light conditions, and as such, is a great plant for indoor spaces.
Caring for the ZZ Plant
Given that you have some information about the ZZ plant, let’s get into how to care for it.
As we mentioned, the ZZ plant is a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Watering ZZ plants
So, it’s been mentioned that the ZZ plant is drought tolerant. In other words, it can handle long periods of dryness. When you do water your plant, be sure that the soil is completely dried out before you water it again. Overwatering can result in root rot, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and wait a bit longer until the soil is dry.
Now, ZZ plants don’t have roots. Instead, they have rhizomes
, which are underground stems. These rhizomes store water, so you don’t need to water the plant very often. You only need to water your ZZ plant every two to three weeks.
Interestingly enough, rhizomes can store water for up to six months, so you don’t have to worry about your plant dying if you go on vacation and forget to water it.
ZZ plant light requirements
The ZZ plant can tolerate low light conditions, making it a great option for indoor spaces. However, it will thrive in moderate to bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil requirements
ZZ plants prefer well-draining soil. A good option is a cactus mix or a potting mix that contains perlite or sand.
Temperature & Humidity
The ZZ plant is comfortable in average household temperatures. It can withstand some fluctuations but keep your plant away from drafts. As for humidity, while the ZZ plant prefers humid conditions, it can also handle dry air. If your home is on the dry side, increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Fertilizer
The ZZ plant doesn’t need to be fertilized very often. In fact, once a year during the summer is usually sufficient. When you do fertilize your plant, use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, and dilute it to half the recommended strength.
Potting and repotting
Repot your ZZ plant every one to two years. When repotting your plant, use a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one.
It’s best to repot your plant in the spring, before it starts putting out new growth. To repot your plant, carefully remove it from its current pot and place it in a new one. Be sure to use fresh potting mix when repotting.
Propagating ZZ plants
Propagating ZZ plants by stem cuttings is straightforward. To do this, cut several stems from the plant. And immediately place them in a container of perlite or sand and water. In about 4 weeks, the stem cuttings will start to form rhizomes, at which time you transplant them into their own pot.
Take a look at this video demonstrating how to propagate ZZ plants by stem cuttings.
Toxicity
The ZZ plant is toxic to people and pets. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If any person or animal in your home has ingested this plant, call poison control or go to emergency immediately.
Types of ZZ plants:
The most common type of ZZ plant is the Zamioculcas zamiifolia. However, there are a few other species, including:
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Zenzi’
This variety is similar to the regular ZZ plant, but it has shorter leaves and a more compact growth habit.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’
This variety has dark, almost black leaves.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Variegata’
This variety has green and white variegated leaves.
No matter which type of ZZ plant you choose, they’re all easy to care for and make great houseplants!
ZZ Plant FAQs
Should ZZ plant rhizomes be exposed?
No, the rhizomes of a ZZ plant should not be exposed. If they are exposed, they can rot and damage the plant.
Where should I place a ZZ plant in my house?
The ZZ plant can tolerate low light conditions, so it is a great option for indoor spaces. Place your plant in an area that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sun, as this can scorch the leaves.
How tall does the ZZ plant grow?
The ZZ plant can grow to be 2 to 3 feet tall.
Does the ZZ plant flower indoors?
It’s extremely rare for a ZZ plant to flower indoors. The plants produce small, white flowers resembling those of the peace lily.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the ZZ plant, a low-maintenance houseplant that is a good fit for anyone looking for an easy way to add some greenery to their home. Its thick, glossy, dark green leaves are sure to brighten up any room.
So, if you’re looking for an easy way to make your home more beautiful and inviting, go ahead and add a ZZ plant to your collection!