ZZ Plant

[Zamioculcas zamiifolia] plant.

Plant Type: Houseplant

Light Needs: Low – bright, indirect sunlight

Water Needs: Every two – three weeks

Bloom Season: Midsummer – early autumn

Native To: Eastern – Southern Africa

Average Size: 1-3ft. tall, 1-2ft. wide

Pet Safe: No

The ZZ plant is a great starter houseplant for the novice gardener.

It has become an increasingly popular houseplant because of its tolerant personality and easy-to-care-for nature. This plant truly lives up to its low-maintenance label. The ZZ plant’s distinctive look is comprised of smooth, waxy, and thick emerald leaflets that create each stem. Leaf color ranges from a lighter yellow, greenish hue to a deeper green, near black color. Liven up a dark corner or allow it to brighten up your home decor. This plant is versatile and does not require much fuss, so tend when needed and let it thrive.

Common Varieties: ZZ Plant | Raven ZZ | Zenzi ZZ

LIGHT

These plants are a tropical, aroid palm so they have a preference for bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. However, they are very tolerant and will also grow in lower light conditions. Extended periods of exposure to direct sunlight has the chance to burn the leaves and negatively effect the plant. The optimum hours of light needed range between 6 hours, minimum, to 12 hours, maximum. Both natural and fluorescent/grow lights will serve this plant well.

WATER

Again, these tropical houseplants are not particular and watering is simple and straightforward. During the growing season, spring through early fall, keep your ZZ plant watered every two to three weeks. A good measure for moisture is to check the soil with a finger poke test. The soil of your ZZ plant can be dry on the surface but if you take your finger and poke it about an inch deep and there is still moisture then the plant does not need watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot and overwatering. Do keep in mind, while they are not getting watered regularly it’s important to water thoroughly and saturate the soil. Typical signs of dryness in your ZZ plant will be wrinkling and/or wilted leaves and thoroughly dry soil. Throughout the winter, you can reduce the amount of water your ZZ plant receives. It is better to underwater than overwater your ZZ plant so do not fret if a month or so passes without watering.

TEMPERATURE

Native to Eastern Africa, these plants prefer temperatures to remain between 65° Fahrenheit to 80° Fahrenheit. Humidity is not required for growth, but 40% – 50% humidity may benefit the plant throughout the drier winter months. ZZ plants do not do well in temperatures below 50° Fahrenheit or near cool, drafty areas. As long as the air is consistent and within the right temperature range, your ZZ plant will be content.

SOIL

A well draining soil is ideal for ZZ plants. Regular potting mix will work perfectly fine, but you can add in perlite, orchid bark chips or horticultural charcoal to help with drainage. When watering, the water should easily be able to make its way through the drainage holes.

FERTILIZER

ZZ plants are accustom to less than desirable growing conditions and therefore do not need fertilizer to grow. That being said, it definitely does not harm the plant. Fertilizing around once a month during the growing season will be more than enough. You can also fertilize at a frequency of around once every six months, during growing season, without any adverse effects to the plant. It is recommended to not fertilize in the winter when the plant is not actively growing and to not over fertilize the plant.

CARE TIPS

Being a tropical aroid, the ZZ plant prefers the warmth and its ideal home is free of colder air, extreme temperatures, and drafts. The foliage is thick, saturated, and lush; make sure to keep it free of dust which will help the plant photosynthesize. Keep it simple and take a damp cloth and gently wipe the leaves clean from stem to tip while making sure to support the leaf from the bottom with your hand. Not only will this help the plant grow, but it will also bring back that lovely shine from its waxy, green leaves. The ZZ plant grows from rhizomes just beneath the soil. Not what you typically think of when you think houseplant, these round, potato-like structures hold the water and nutrients for the plant and are the base for the stalks to grow upward.

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