ZZ plants are native to Africa’s tropical regions, which have rainy and dry seasons, resulting in wildly changing growing conditions. As a result, they are very forgiving houseplants! ZZ plants thrive in fluorescent lights in offices and commercial buildings since they need a lot of indirect light (direct sunshine can scorch the leaves). ZZ plants can be cultivated outside in zones 10 to 12 in regions with filtered sunshine and well-draining soil. (The sun is OK in the morning, but plants need shade from the intense afternoon sun.)
Can a ZZ plant go outside in the summer?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as ZZ or zee-zee plant, Zanzibar jewel, aroid palm, chubby boy, and eternity plant, is a year-round indoor plant that can be enticed outdoors in the summer.
I’m admiring the shiny green leaves of a Zamioculcas zamiifolia, or ZZ plant, and I’m wondering how I missed it before.
Master Gardener Kathy Reed, who owns the plant, says it thrives in her office’s extreme low light and is the best indoor plant she’s ever had.
Zanzibar jewel, aroid palm, fat boy, and eternity plant are all names for the ZZ plant. The letters are sometimes spelt zee-zee plant. Reed claims she bought a ZZ plant with a tag that simply said “Plants of Steel” last summer.
ZZ plant, whatever you call it, appears to be a true treasure of a plant for the house or office. In the summer, it can also be grown outside, however it is only hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 9. (Lawrence is located in Zone 6).
Apart from being tolerant of low light, the ZZ plant requires little water and fertilizer. The plant also grows slowly, which means it won’t need to be re-potted as often. Reed keeps her ZZ plant in an office with only overhead fluorescent lights and dark weekends, and she only water it when the soil dries out.
ZZ plant can take bright light from a window if you are fortunate enough to have extra light available. In the summer, you could even put it outside in the shade, as previously recommended. Overwatering is the most typical issue indoor gardeners have with ZZ plants; its roots prefer to dry out a little between waterings, so water occasionally.
At 2 to 3 feet tall, Reed’s ZZ plant is nearing maturity, though it may spread out a little more. After reaching maturity, the ZZ plant grows to be around 3 feet across in nature.
Flowers are produced by the plant, although they are small and are borne near to the plant’s base. The nearly glossy leaves are what make this plant so attractive.
According to the University of Connecticut, NASA has recognized the ZZ plant for its ability to purify the air.
The ZZ plant is a relatively new addition to the tropical plant business, but it is quickly gaining favor. It may take some hunting to find your own ZZ plant, but as garden center workers gain more knowledge about the plant, it should become more readily available. The bottleneck is the plant’s slow growing tendency, which makes it difficult to create a saleable plant in a reasonable amount of time. Last summer, Reed bought one of her ZZ plants from a local garden business, and the other she bought two years ago from a garden center in a nearby community.
If you must fertilize, do so once a month with a basic houseplant fertilizer at the rate recommended on the label.
Leaflets that fall to the ground will root and generate bulblets, making propagation quite simple. Leaf cuttings can be rooted in the soil as well.
The ZZ plant has one disadvantage: if swallowed, all components of the plant are harmful to humans.
Is ZZ plant indoor or outdoor?
The ZZ plant is a simple to grow and care for indoor plant with small glossy leaves on stalks that can reach 3 feet in length. The botanical name for zamioculcas zamiifolia is zamioculcas zamiifolia, which grows well in dim or strong illumination and with frequent or infrequent watering.
Can ZZ plants tolerate cold?
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The ZZ plant is a hardy houseplant that can withstand low light and dry circumstances, as well as being a good choice for cooler environments.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is another hardy houseplant that can withstand less-than-ideal conditions, such as cold rooms. It will survive as long as the temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
- Geraniums (Pelargonium): Geraniums may be a lovely indoor plant for chilly spaces if you make sure they get a few hours of direct sunlight every day.
- Jade Plant: If you have adequate sunlight, the jade plant, like the geranium, is a fantastic plant for cooler spaces. They can also live in colder temperatures and keep dry for a long period.
- Maidenhair Ferns: Maidenhair ferns do well in low-light environments and at cooler temperatures. The most important thing to remember when cultivating this plant is to keep the soil moist at all times.
- Sago palm (Cycas revolute): The sago palm, which is not a palm at all, is a hardy houseplant native to Japan’s south. It can withstand a broad range of temperatures, including very cold ones.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): The snake plant is a fantastic houseplant that can thrive in nearly any environment. It thrives in low light, cool temperatures, and dry soil.
- Dracaena (Dracaena marginata): Dracaena can also thrive in cooler climates. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 50 degrees F (10 degrees C).
All of the winter houseplants mentioned have their own limitations, so don’t push them too far. Keep an eye on your plants to see if they’re adapting well to the chilly weather.
The ideal position for Calatheas
Tropical America is home to this species. Calatheas dislike being in the cold. Place this indoor gem in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight, which could scorch the leaves.
Calatheas are generally planted as part of a tropical landscaping and can be grown outside in warm climates (they don’t withstand freezing). They require shade, much as they do in their natural habitat, where they are protected by the vast rainforest canopy.
Caring tips
During the summer, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and in the winter, you can allow the soil dry out a little between waterings. Mist the leaves with water weekly to help recreate their natural damp habitat at home, especially around drying heaters and air conditioning. If your Calathea foliage has dry, brown tips, it’s most likely due to dry air, therefore mist more frequently.
To keep the foliage looking great, give your Calathea a liquid feed once a month and wipe the leaves down with a moist cloth on a regular basis.
Because of its clumping nature, they may require repotting from time to time, although Calatheas are easy to divide into many potted plants.
Pests and diseases to watch out for
Pests and diseases rarely affect Calatheas. Sap-sucking mealy bugs can be found in low-light areas or in too dry soil. This insect is hidden beneath a white, mealy covering that resembles little tufts of fluffy cotton wool. Increase watering and move your plant into a place with more light to improve growing circumstances. Apply a pesticide that is based on oil or soap.
When should I transplant my ZZ plant?
Because ZZs are known for being sluggish growth, they don’t need to be replanted very often. Once every two years, we usually only need to transplant these plants up a pot size.
Repotting your ZZs should be done in the spring or early summer. This is because your plant goes into dormancy throughout the colder months of the year, slowing down its growth. I’ve found that transplanting your ZZ in the early spring gives it the space it needs to create new growth once it’s back in its growing season.
Where should I place my ZZ plant at home?
Indirect light from a north-, east-, or west-facing window can range from dim to bright. Direct sunshine, which can scorch the foliage, should be avoided. There aren’t any windows? It’s no problem. Under fluorescent lights, the ZZ plant thrives.
Temperature:
Grow at room temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit indoors. If you leave your plant outside during the summer, make sure to bring it inside when the temperature drops below 50 degrees F.
Humidity:
Humidity levels in the home should be OK, but keep your plant away from air conditioning and heating vents, which can dry out the air and cause browning of the leaves.
Watering:
Overwatering is one of the few methods to destroy a ZZ plant. Only water once every two weeks or when the top inch or two of soil feels dry during the busy growing season (spring through early fall). If you’re growing your plant in low-light situations or throughout the winter, water less frequently.
Fertilizing:
Because ZZ plants can store nutrients in their roots, they don’t require fertilizing as frequently as other plants. During the spring and summer, feed every month or so with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended dose. In the winter, don’t fertilize.
Does ZZ plant need drainage?
Overwatering, as with many indoor plants, is the number one killer of ZZ plants. If the roots are kept damp all of the time, they will rot and kill the plant. This also indicates that the plant requires adequate drainage, so use a fast-draining succulent or cactus potting mix and place it in a pot with holes in the bottom.
Should I mist my ZZ plant?
On a ZZ Plant leaf, there is a sunburn. I put mine out in the rain one afternoon and kept it out until 11 a.m. the next morning. This one leaf was the only one that caught fire. It was also the end of October, and they burn quickly!
Humidity
Tropical climates are home to ZZ Plants. Despite this, they are adaptive and do well in our homes, which have dry air. Mine barely has a few microscopic, tiny brown tips here in hot, dusty Tucson.
Fill the saucer with stones and water if you think yours are stressed owing to a lack of humidity. Place the plant on the pebbles, but make sure the drain holes and/or the bottom of the pot aren’t flooded. Misting a couple of times a week should also assist.
Fertilizing
When it comes to fertilizing, ZZ Plants aren’t picky. I use worm compost and compost to feed my. I’ve been doing it once a year, but starting next year, I’ll start applying in late February/early March (here in Tucson, where the weather warms up quickly) and then again in July. Here’s where you can learn more about my worm compost/compost feeding.
If you have it, liquid kelp or fish emulsion would be good, as would a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (5-5-5 or lower). In the spring, dilute any of these to half strength and apply. If you believe your ZZ requires another application, repeat the process in the summer.
You shouldn’t fertilize houseplants in the late fall or winter because that’s when they’re supposed to be resting. Salts might build up and damage the roots of your ZZ Plant if you fertilize it too much. If your houseplant is strained, such as bone dry or dripping wet, don’t fertilize it.
Soil
My favorite combination is 3 parts potting soil, 1 part succulent and cactus mix, and 1 part coco coir. I always add a few handfuls of compost (how many depends on the size of the pot) and a 1/4-1/2 layer of worm compost on top.
I get my compost, succulents and cactus, and coco coir from a local supplier. I use this potting soil and worm compost. More online options for compost, succulent and cactus mix, and coco coir can be found here. Here’s where you can learn more about my worm compost/compost feeding.
Repotting/Transplanting
If you live in a warm environment, you can do this in the spring or summer; if you live in a cold climate, you can do it in the early fall. Your plant will need to be repotted sooner if it grows too quickly.
Both of mine are in plastic pots, but terra cotta or ceramic would work just as well. To allow them more room to expand, I potted them up a couple sizes.
What happens if you touch a ZZ plant?
The ZZ plant (or Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking for a hardy, low-light home plant. However, you may be concerned about if ZZ plants are dangerous and whether they are suitable for your family and pets.
Is it possible for a ZZ plant to be poisonous? Yes, both humans and pets are poisoned by ZZ plants. When consumed, ZZ plants can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. With a few basic steps, you can securely share your home with a ZZ plant.
There was a lot of incorrect information about ZZ plants a few years ago. Many people thought the plant was so toxic that it may cause cancer and that the only way to handle it properly was with gloves on. This isn’t correct.
What do you do with ZZ plant flowers?
Place your ZZ in low to bright indirect light and water once it is completely dried. It will usually thrive even if you forget to water it…or three times. ZZ is also extremely disease and pest resistant. Simply cut your plant’s branches if they intrude into your space and get in the way. The plant may flower from mid-summer to early autumn, but the flowers are small and unattractive, so ZZ is primarily a leaf plant.