The Araceae (ariod) family of succulent houseplants includes the easy-to-grow ZZ plant, which is a native of Africa. The species name refers to having leaves like those of the unrelated genus Zamia.
It is one of the simplest low-maintenance houseplants to cultivate, and you may usually see it in interior designs for business spaces. A mature height and spread of 2 to 3 feet will be attained gradually.
It features pinnately complex, glossy leaves with thick petioles that store water, making it exceptionally drought tolerant. It also has bulbous, meaty rhizomes that give rise to the leaves. The oval-shaped, thick leaves give it a waxy appearance. Although they only develop on mature plants, the blooms are a white spadix and a green spathe.
Plant in potting soil with good drainage that is regularly watered but let to dry out between waterings because damp feet are not acceptable. When it becomes dormant in the winter, water it only once a month. In the summer, water it twice a month, but only if the soil is entirely dry. Every year or every two years, use a balanced fertilizer. Similar care can be given to this plant as to cacti and other succulent plants. While they can survive in environments with only fluorescent lighting and will even grow there, they thrive in direct sunlight that is bright. If the plant is exposed to direct sunshine, the leaves may become scorched and brown.
If taken inside once it drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, this plant might be grown in a pot outside in some regions.
LIGHT
One of those houseplants that can flourish almost anyplace is the ZZ plant. This is not an exaggeration: this plant will thrive anywhere between total darkness and full direct sunlight.
The ideal situation would be brilliant indirect light, yet a small bit of direct sunlight won’t do any harm. Even though this plant can tolerate very little light, if your lighting is particularly bad, don’t expect it to grow too much.
However, due to its extreme tolerance, it would thrive in any environment, including offices with no windows and only overhead lighting.
The phrase “low light” on a plant tag does not necessarily imply that the plant REQUIRES low light.
It simply means that low light will be TOLERATED. Having said that, this plant will still look fantastic in low-light conditions, but don’t anticipate it to grow too quickly because it could eventually become fragile.
Only a few number of others, such as Pothos and Sansevieria, can compete with this plant as one of the finest plants for reduced light levels.
My kitchen table, which is a few feet from a window with a Western exposure, has a ZZ plant on top of it. A skylight is also located directly over the kitchen table.
It may occasionally receive a brief burst of direct sunlight throughout the year, but for the majority of the day, it receives indirect light. Even if the new growth is robust and the rate of development is actually much faster than I anticipated for this plant, I still think it is a lower light scenario and it is sufficient for me.
WATERING
ZZ plants may go for a long period of time without being watered. Similar to lighting conditions, your ZZ plant will reward you if you DON’T entirely ignore its watering requirements.
However, this is one of the greatest plants you may cultivate if you frequently neglect to water your plants.
I’ll wait a while before watering ZZ plants once more. Since it might change greatly depending on a number of things, I don’t really use a calendar to schedule when I water.
I’ll wait for the soil to be nearly fully dry after giving it a good watering. Before watering again, you should surely wait at least until the top inch or two of the soil are dry.
If you touch the soil and it feels moist, don’t even consider watering this plant again!
I know someone who simply gave her enormous ZZ plant one monthly watering, and it became enormous. One of the very few plants that can survive those conditions is this one.
Never allow this plant to stand in water for too long; otherwise, it can rot soon. This plant is quite resistant to being killed, unless you use a severe watering technique!
ZZ PLANT SOIL
ZZ plants require first-rate drainage. For these plants, I like to use a cactus and succulent mix, but I also like to add extra coarse perlite or pumice.
When I want to utilize a succulent/cactus mix, Miracle Gro Cactus Palm and Citrus mix is my go-to potting soil.
To this mixture, I also prefer to add more gritty perlite or pumice. As a result, your potting mix will drain very effectively.
The ratio is probably one part perlite or pumice to three parts potting soil, however I don’t measure the quantities precisely. The ratios can be changed to suit your preferences.
A ZZ plant is what sort of plant?
Tropical Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ plant or Zanzibar Gem, is a member of the Araceae family of aroid plants. It is indigenous to Kenya, Zanzibar, and Eastern Africa. Rhizomes that resemble giant potatoes may be visible beneath the potting soil’s surface.
ZZ Raven—is that a succulent?
The purple-black glossy leaves of the raven ZZ plant definitely live up to their hip name. The original ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), which gained popularity as a houseplant in the 1990s, may be known to you. It is still widely used today and is offered by both big-box nurseries and specialized ones.
Due to its hardiness and simple maintenance requirements, original green ZZ plants have long been found in malls, retail complexes, and medical offices. The leaves nevertheless maintain their stunning high-shine appearance with very minimal care, to the point where the plants occasionally appear artificial.
The raven ZZ is similar in many ways to ZZ plants, which are low-maintenance, attractive indoor plants. Its scientific name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia Raven, and it is a tropical succulent with leaves that emerge in lime green and grow to a deep purple-black. The lime green leaves sometimes take many weeks to start turning.
It is a slow-growing plant that can grow to be between 1.5 and 3 feet tall. Because they are hardy indoor plants, they are ideal for novices. In actuality, the raven ZZ plant won the award for “Best New Plant at the 2018 Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition, and immediately after that, it became widely popular. Since then, it has gained enormous appeal, and only recently have big-box garden centers begun to carry it.
Should a ZZ plant be misted?
If you want to destroy your ZZ plant, you have to really try! It is hence quite robust. A ZZ plant can withstand a lot of neglect, but if you want it to thrive, it’s best to provide it with the right care. Find out how by reading on.
Light: ZZ plants may thrive in low-light situations but prefer bright, indirect light. Even bright, fluorescent light is sufficient for these plants to grow. They are a popular option for interior rooms without windows primarily because of this. It’s important to keep in mind that ZZ plants dislike direct sunshine. Leaves that have received too much direct sun exposure may become burned or dried up. If this occurs, transfer your plant to a more shaded area until the leaves begin to approximate their regular, green state.
Water: Let the soil dry out in between applications. Avoid letting your plant sit in water as this can quickly lead to rot on the stem and rhizomes. Even though your plant may last for months without water, it will grow more quickly if you water it more frequently. Given that your ZZ plant is more likely to die from root rot than from lack of water, it is always preferable to submerge rather than overwater.
The ZZ plant typically loves temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. Although it prefers humid environments, it may tolerate less humid ones unless the air is exceptionally dry. Then, to fight the dry air, you can spritz its leaves with water. If your plant is near an air conditioner vent and/or the temperature falls below 45°F, growth may be stunted.
Toxicity: Because this plant includes calcium oxalate crystals, you should exercise caution when handling it. Skin discomfort or more severe conditions like stomach ache may result from this. Keep the plant out of reach as it is particularly harmful to cats and dogs due to the oxalate crystals. If you keep zamioculcas zamiifolia out of the reach of curious pets and young children, they are still safe to have in your house. To reduce contact with the plant, wash your hands right away after tending to your plant or put on gloves. For in-depth information, look at our dangerous plant guide.
Aphids, such as “sap from ZZ plants, are a pest. If you start to observe strange yellow stains or patches on your plant, you may have an aphid infestation. You might need to check more closely because aphids readily mix in with foliage (especially since they like to hide under leaves). By cleaning the leaves with a moderate soap and hot water solution, you may get rid of the majority of pests.
Overwatering is the primary cause of death for ZZ plants, as was already established. Never water a plant before allowing the top three inches of soil to dry up. If the plant’s leaves start to fall off, it is badly underwatered. If you see that your ZZ plant’s leaves are yellowing and dropping off, you might be overwatering it.
This plant grows slowly. Your plant may not reach its full potential for several years. Giving your ZZ plant the ideal circumstances for light, water, and temperature will aid in its growth the best. If you’re unclear of how to assist your struggling ZZ plant, you can read our guide to reviving a plant.
After learning the fundamentals of caring for a ZZ plant, be sure you are prepared for when it begins to thrive.
Fertilizing: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer like 20-20-20 to fertilize your plant once or twice in the spring or summer.
ZZ plants don’t require a lot of pruning. Throughout the year, remove any yellow leaves and trim back any overgrown stalks. Wear gloves, please!
Repotting: Unless your plant is outgrowing its present container, you shouldn’t need to repot it. The optimum time to repot ZZ plants is in the spring. Select a pot with appropriate drainage that is one size larger. Take the ZZ plant out of its pot. If necessary, clean up and trim the roots. Replant with potting soil that drains nicely in a fresh container. until the bottom drains, water.
Sticking a mature stem in water and waiting for roots to appear is one way to propagate the ZZ plant. The second approach entails splitting the plant into two or three smaller ones. Given that ZZ plant rhizomes are known to develop slowly, this shouldn’t be done all that frequently.
The virtually unbreakable ZZ plant is the ideal complement to any space in your house or place of business. As long as you bear in mind to keep it out of direct sunlight and to let the soil dry between waterings, taking care of Zamioculcas zamiifolia is simple. Keep it up high and out of reach if you have dogs or children in the house to ensure everyone’s safety.
Should you water a ZZ Plant immediately after repotting?
After repotting, you can water in moderation. Most of the time, you should just keep watering your plant according to its routine (every three to four weeks) or water when the soil feels dry.
Do ZZ Plants like big pots?
Huge pots may not be ideal for ZZ plants since they can hold onto too much water when they are too large. Choose a new pot that is only marginally bigger than the old one.
Why is my ZZ Plant limp after repotting?
Plants can be harmed by repotting. Repotting should only be done in the spring and early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To reduce shock after repotting, maintain your ZZ plant in its familiar surroundings.
How can touching a ZZ plant affect you?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ plant, is an excellent option if you’re seeking for a hardy, low-light house plant. However, you might be concerned about if ZZ plants are dangerous and whether your family and pets can safely use them.
A ZZ plant: toxic or not? ZZ plants do indeed poison both people and animals. Direct contact with ZZ plants can irritate the skin and eyes, and ingesting them can result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. But if you take a few easy steps, you can live securely with a ZZ plant.
There was a lot of misinformation about ZZ plants out there a few years ago. Many people thought that handling the plant safely required wearing gloves and that it was so toxic that it may cause cancer. That is untrue.
Light:
Low to strong indirect lighting, as that coming from a window facing north, east, or west. Avoid the sun’s direct rays since they can burn the foliage. no windows No issue. ZZ plant thrives in fluorescent illumination as well.
Temperature:
Grow indoors around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit on average for room temperature. In the summer, if you place your plant outside, make sure to bring it inside if the temperature drops below 50 degrees F.
Humidity:
Normal indoor humidity levels are good, but keep your plant away from vents for the air conditioner and heater since this could dry out the air and turn the leaves brown.
Watering:
Overwatering is one of the uncommon ways you might harm a ZZ plant. Only water once every two weeks or when the top inch or two of soil feels dry throughout the active growing season, which runs from early spring to late fall. If your plant is growing in low light or throughout the winter, water it less frequently.
Fertilizing:
ZZ plants don’t require frequent fertilizing since they can store nutrients in their roots. Use a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended rate to feed your plants approximately once a month during the spring and summer. Fertilize not during the winter.