ZZ Plant (Zanzibar Gem) Profile

If you're a new plant parent, you may be in the market for a houseplant that's undemanding and hard to kill. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), also known as theeternity plant, can be the perfect option for you.

This tropical plant, with its upright growth, and shiny, oval-shaped, deep green leaves, is perfect for keeping indoors and can grow in practically any environment—whether it be low light, low humidity, or an office desk situation—so its reputation is very strong for beginner plant parents.

If you're new to caring for plants or are looking for a low-lift addition to your existing collection, go with the ZZ plant. Just keep in mind that ZZ plants are toxic to people and pets when ingested.

How to Grow ZZ Plants

ZZ plants are low-maintenance houseplants even beginner gardeners can keep alive. Other than a pot with adequate drainage and a location away from cold drafts, these plants don't require much. They thrive even in almost complete shade.

• Give ZZ plant at least a little indirect light daily for optimum growth and health.
• Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Plants can survive months without water.
• Protect ZZ plant from temperatures below 45°F.

Dust the Leaves Properly

ZZ plants have naturally shiny leaves that accumulate dust and can look dull over time. Use a damp washcloth to clean your plant and restore its shine instead of a commercial leaf shine product which clog the plant's pores.

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Light

ZZ plants are so easy to care for that they can technically survive (though barely) without any natural light. However, they do best in bright, indirect light; if they don't receive enough light, ZZ plants can become leggy.

Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch your plant's leaves.

Soil

Standard houseplant potting mixes are sufficient for a ZZ plant as long as they drain well.

Soil Tip

Looking for the best soils for indoor plants? We tested 7 top-rated soils in our Lab to make sure your indoor plants stay happy and healthy.

Water

Let ZZ plant soil dry out completely in between waterings, then water deeply. Every few weeks should be sufficient, though it depends on the growing conditions. It's better to underwater a ZZ plant than overwater it, since the drought-tolerant plant is able to store water in its rhizomes.

Temperature and Humidity

ZZ plants are content to grow in average indoor temperatures and humidity. They do not tolerate cold temperatures and can suffer damage below 45°F. Choose a spot away from drafts including cold air vents. Plants may benefit from increased humidity during dry winter months.

Fertilizer

ZZ plants do not require regular fertilizing, but for optimal health, feed with an indoor formula diluted to half-strength once or twice during its active growing season.

Is This the Right Plant for You?

A ZZ plant is a good choice for you if...

• you live somewhere with temperatures above 45°F.
• you'd prefer not to water the plant very often.
• you live in a low-light home and need a plant that can tolerate that.

Varieties of ZZ Plants

• Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’: A relatively new variety distinguished by dark purple-maroon foliage.
• Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Variegated’: Features green foliage with white, and yellow variegation. Variegation fades if not given adequate light.

ZZ Plant Tips for Beginners

• Where to Put It: Place your ZZ plant in a location that receives some indirect light, and away from cold drafts
• How to Water It: ZZ plants can survive months without water in certain growing conditions; water your plant only when the soil has dried out completely
• Soil Type: Plant your ZZ in a well-draining soil, like a standard houseplant mix

Pruning

A little judicious pruning keeps ZZ plant from getting leggy and thin-looking. Stems can be tipped, removing only a few inches to form a pleasing staggered structure and create a fuller appearance. Use a sharp, sterile pruner and make cuts at a 45º angle just above a leaf node. Use cuttings to start new plants. Remove the bottom leaves as they age and start to fade.

Propagating ZZ Plant

ZZ plants are propagated through division and leaf cuttings. Division is simplest and can be done during repotting. Pull the rhizomes apart, being careful to preserve as many roots as possible, and repot them separately in their own pots.

Growing a ZZ plant from a leaf cutting takes six to nine months as you'll have to wait for a new rhizome to grow and develop new top growth.

Leaf cuttings need to develop a root system so you'll need some patience using this propagation technique. Take a cutting from a mature ZZ plant with a portion of stem and at least two leaves, then plant the stem in a well-draining soil mix. Place the cutting in a warm spot that receives bright indirect light, and water thoroughly.

Tips for Buying in Store

• Check for pests. Signs include spots on the leaves, flying insects in the soil, and webbing on the underside of the leaves.
• Inspect the roots. Make sure they aren't dense and in a large clump, and that there aren't too many roots coming out of the drainage holes.
• Read the plant label. Be sure you understand the care requirements and have a good spot for the plant in your home.

Potting and Repotting ZZ Plant

ZZ plants should be repotted only once they have outgrown their previous container. These houseplants tolerate some crowding but need attention when rhizomes start to press against the edge of the container.

Repot in spring or summer when your plant is actively growing to alleviate transplant shock. Choose a pot one size larger than the current pot or divide the plant, removing outside rhizomes. You can replant the mother plant in its original container with new potting medium.

Warning

If you are known to have sensitive skin, preempt any issues by wearing gloves when repotting; ZZ plant sap is known to cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

ZZ plants are not prone to pests but can attract common houseplant pests including mealy bugs, scale, fungus gnats, and aphids. Keep plants free of dust and apply horticultural oil if an infestation develops.

Water-soaked lesions and brown spots with yellow halos indicate a fungal or bacterial disease caused by overwatering. Isolate the plant, withhold water until soil dries out and treat with fungicide. Remove severely damaged leaves.

Common Problems With ZZ Plant

Leggy Growth

A ZZ plant's stems will grow thin and leggy when it's not getting enough light. Place your plant in a spot where it will receive two hours of indirect light at minimum to avoid leggy growth.

The plant is known to tolerate nearly full shady conditions without natural light, but you won't get too much growth that way. The more light you give it, the more growth you'll get.

Yellow Leaves

Overwatering ZZ plant leads to problems including yellowing leaves. Older leaves fade and drop naturally but if newer foliage loses its shiny green color it's time to cut back on watering. Let the plant dry out completely and, if necessary, repot into fresh dry, potting mix.

From: thespruce