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.)
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilies)
Peace Lilies, for starters, can be found in the wild from Mexico to South America. They grow towards the base of mountains and along rivers and other waterways in wet, shady regions. Spatches are the thin, leaf-like white blossoms that have a light aroma. The blooms range in size from 1 to 4 inches in diameter and develop to a pale green color. Their dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with their leaves, making them the center point of any area.
Peace Lilies tolerate shadow better than other houseplants, but blossoming requires indirect, bright, filtered sunshine. Flowering happens seldom, although with a higher possibility due to more sunlight. During active development phases, keep these plants uniformly wet and fertilize them every 6 weeks with a 15-30-15 houseplant fertilizer provided in our greenhouses. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, but never totally. Brown spots can occur if their leaves come into contact with chilly glass. Remove the diseased leaves and new ones will sprout in their place if this happens!
Their name comes from the fact that their blooms look like white peace flags!
Sansevieria (Snake Plants)
The origin of this plant’s name, on the other hand, should be obvious. Their erect, flat, broad, wavy foliage resembles the crawling snakes! While their appearance may capture your interest, Snake Plants provide much more than feng shui to our houses. They’re one of the most effective houseplants for purifying the air in our homes! These plants absorb harmful chemicals and require little upkeep in order to thrive, allowing them to exhale oxygen for us to breathe.
These plants thrive in low-light environments due to their versatility to practically any environment within your home or office. While they may go for weeks without water, a thorough watering once a week is recommended to keep them healthy. Avoid overwatering, as you would with most houseplants.
Fun fact: This plant’s air-purifying abilities have been linked to better productivity, mood, and health, as well as reduced stress. That sounds like the ideal plant for your workplace!
Epipremnum aureum (Devil’s Ivy)
Golden Pothos, Money Plant, Silver Vine, and Devil’s Ivy are all names for this next low-light houseplant. This tropical houseplant, native to the Solomon Islands, requires very little maintenance and is almost pest and disease free! Pothos should be watered after the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, and it should be placed in regions with bright, indirect sunshine. Average to high temperatures and humidity, as well as potting with well-drained soil, help it thrive.
The Devil’s Ivy is a popular houseplant because of its amazing foliage design. Because they like to grow from the top, hanging their long vines down to the ground in jungles, these plants can reach lengths of more than 50 feet. As a result, they look great in hanging baskets! Their glossy, heart-shaped leaves develop on either side of the vine, growing in tandem with those around them. When cultivated indoors, the variegated green and yellow leaves can grow to be around 4 inches long. Pothos are easy to grow and thrive in a variety of environments.
Fun fact: Their nickname “Devil’s Ivy” comes from how difficult they are to kill.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
ZZ Plants are a must-have for every houseplant collector. They’re highly Instagrammable. Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the Zanibar Gem, is an East African plant. They have an upright, compact growth pattern, making them ideal for small settings in homes and offices. The ZZ Plant is attractive to indoor gardeners because of its high, glossy leaves that retain their inherent sheen. The waxy leaves of the ZZ Plant, despite its minimal light demand, actually reflect sunlight, brightening interiors. It grows slowly, filters the air, and can withstand almost any amount of light.
Water your ZZ Plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing it to dry out little between soaks. Between Spring and Fall, fertilize with a Miracid 30-10-10 fertilizer as directed on the label. You don’t need to prune your plant, but you can prune individual branches if necessary.
Fun Fact: Propagating your ZZ Plant is time-consuming but simple! To produce a callus, simply break off a healthy leaf and lay it in a cool, dry spot for several hours. Then, inside a half-closed plastic bag, place it in moistened sand. To keep the sand moist, place the bag in bright, indirect light and add water. When the leaf produces roots after a year, plant it in well-drained soil.
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Chinese evergreens are often regarded as one of the best indoor plants for beginners. They can survive in almost any environment, including low light, dry air, and even drought. When exposed to more light, this tropical plant has beautiful green foliage with silver edging and flowers in the same way that Peace Lilies do. Chinese Evergreens are excellent office plants because they are slow-growing and low-maintenance.
These plants go great with the ZZ, Pothos, and Snake Plants mentioned before. When watering, keep the soil equally moist but let the plant to dry out slightly between waterings. Temperatures in the room should be moderate, and fertilizer is not required for it to thrive. Quick trimmings will keep your Chinese Evergreen in check, and you can use the trimmings to propagate new plants! Check your Chinese Evergreen’s leaves for symptoms of spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs on a regular basis, and if a problem emerges, see one of our team members in store.
Chinese Evergreens are one of the rare houseplants that have silver in their foliage colors.
Neanthe bella palm (Parlor Palm)
When carried over from Central America, the Parlor Palm quickly became a favorite houseplant in the United States. Its decreased light tolerance, as well as its growth behavior, are two of its main advantages that have helped it become an indoor plant phenomenon. It has lush foliage that generally covers its smaller, less appealing limbs. They’re well-suited to hallways and offices because to their upright growth pattern, so you’ve definitely seen them at your local doctor or dentist. Not to add that they are fantastic air purifiers!
Lower temperatures and a variety of soil types are also tolerated by Parlor Palms. Avoid overwatering your palm and be cautious while repotting and propagating it (they have weaker root systems).
How often do you water a ZZ Plant?
Always check your plant’s watering requirements as soon as you get it. Check the moisture level deep in the soil before giving your ZZ a drink to make sure it isn’t moist directly beneath the surface. Consider aerating your plant’s soil before watering it for the first time. Aerating the soil allows it to breathe and release moisture. Because ZZs love a dry climate, it’s critical to check the soil moisture at the root zone before watering.
A soil probe, which allows you to monitor your plant’s moisture level at the root level and can also be used to aerate the soil if overwatered, is the best tool we’ve discovered to get an accurate moisture reading throughout the soil. The Monitor Brass Soil Probe is a stylish choice.
Between waterings, ZZ’s want to dry completely. Because they have a very good water retention system, you shouldn’t water this plant until the soil in the pot is completely dry. In low-light environments or throughout the winter, this may mean watering only once a month.
Rotate your plant on a regular basis to guarantee even development on all sides, and dust the leaves frequently to ensure optimal photosynthetic activity. Take advantage of the opportunity to dust the leaves and inspect the undersides for bugs while you’re at it. Once every couple of months, clean your leaves with a microfiber cloth and a fine-spray mister.
If you’re going to pot your ZZ Plant in an organic container, we recommend adding a waterproof saucer underneath to protect your flooring from the moisture that may collect beneath the pot.
Remember that each plant is a unique living organism with distinct needs, especially in its own environment. Pay care to your ZZ’s health and watering requirements, and you’ll have a long and happy relationship.
How much water and light does a ZZ Plant need?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ Plant, is a tropical perennial native to Eastern Africa that has gained widespread popularity in recent years due to its adaptability to a variety of environments. The smooth, naturally lustrous leaves of the ZZ range in color from bright lime in childhood to emerald green in maturity. Individual leaflets range in length from one to three inches. They emerge from thick, bulbous stalks that emerge from huge, water-storing rhizomes buried beneath the soil. Because it can survive low light and requires little water, the ZZ is a trustworthy houseplant.
In medium to bright indirect light, it thrives. Lower indirect light is tolerable. Intense, direct sunlight is not recommended.
Allow 2-3 weeks between waterings to allow the soil to dry out. Watering should be done more frequently in better light and less frequently in lower light.
Can ZZ Plant grow in dark?
The ZZ plant, often known as the Zanzibar gem, can never go wrong. Zamioculcas zamiifolia is its scientific name.
Even with only fluorescent light, this incredibly low-maintenance and hardy indoor plant can survive and grow in the worst lighting conditions. Dry spells aren’t a problem for this resilient plant.
Despite being neglected and deprived of sunlight on times, the ZZ plant will grow to a height of 3 feet, with meaty stalks and thick, glossy leaves. This houseplant is far too lovely; it almost appears artificial. It also has such a long lifespan that it is frequently referred to as the “eternity plant.”
So, what exactly are you waiting for? Save yourself the heartache by purchasing a pot or two of the ZZ plant.
How do I know if my ZZ Plant needs more light?
While ZZ plants can tolerate direct sunlight, if they are left in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, the leaves may become scalded. Curling leaves, yellowing foliage, and tilting might also be signs of too much light. When you see curling, it usually signifies the plant is attempting to move away from the light source. Shift the plant to a shadier spot or further away from the source of light. If moving the plant isn’t an option, consider filtering the light with drapes or shades.
Can ZZ Plant live in bright light?
Your ZZ Plant enjoys indirect light that is mild to bright, but it is very adaptable. In a windowless area, it will endure low light and fluorescent lights. During the spring and summer, use a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants once a month.
What is indirect sunlight?
When something in the path of the sun’s light diffuses or filters the light before it reaches your plants, this is known as indirect sunlight. Sheer curtains, a piece of furniture, a tree outside your window, or even another indoor plant placed in front of the lower-light plant can all be used as examples.
Why is my ZZ plant drooping?
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are a popular indoor plant that is widely regarded as easy to care for and thrives on neglect. However, there are a few typical issues, such as zz plant stalks collapsing, that might have an impact on their health and appearance. This article will explain why ZZ plant stalks fall over or droop, as well as how to prevent and permanently remedy the problem.
Why are the stalks of my ZZ plants collapsing? Overwatering causes ZZ plant stalks to droop or fall over, resulting in root rot. Light difficulties, extreme under-watering, a lack of or excessive fertilizer, cold stress, transplant stress, or trauma can all cause ZZ plant stems to fall over.
Correctly identifying and treating the underlying problem is the key to preventing and curing a ZZ plant with drooping stalks. The good news is that most problems that your plant may be experiencing may be solved. Continue reading to find out how to fix your ZZ plant.
How do you butt chug a plant?
Bottom watering, also known as Butt Chugging, is a simple method of watering your plants. You’re ready to go as long as your planter has a drainage hole (which you should have anyhow) and a shallow dish. Fill a shallow dish or saucepan halfway with water and set it aside. Then, in the dish, lay your plant.
Do ZZ plants like to be misted?
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.