ZZ Plant / Zanzibar Gem
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
description
ZZ Plant is a resilient tropical plant with thick stems and glossy dark green leaflets.
benefits
- Suitable for containers
warnings
- Toxic to cats
- Toxic to dogs
How to care for ZZ Plant
sunlight
ZZ Plants grow beneath the forest canopy, where light is filtered rather than intense. At home, place yours in low to bright indirect light and keep it away from harsh midday sun.
Low light
A ZZ Plant can tolerate a dim room, but growth will be slower and new stems may spread toward the light. Keep it near a bright window or use a grow light if it produces weak, stretched growth.
Bright indirect light
This is ideal for steady, fuller growth. Set the plant a short distance from an east or north window, or farther back from a bright south or west window where direct rays are softened.
watering
Let the potting mix dry out completely before watering. ZZ Plants store water in their thick rhizomes, so they cope with a missed watering far better than constantly damp soil.
Spring and summer
Water thoroughly about every 2-4 weeks, but only when the mix is dry all the way down and the pot feels noticeably light. Let excess water drain away.
Autumn and winter
In lower light or cooler rooms, watering may be needed only every 4-6 weeks or longer. Check the root ball first rather than following the calendar.
Bright light, warmth, a small terracotta pot, and a fast-draining mix dry more quickly. Low light, cool temperatures, a large pot, and dense soil keep moisture around the roots longer.
humidity
Preferred humidity
ZZ Plants come from tropical regions with seasonal dry spells, so they handle ordinary indoor air well. Aim for about 40-60% relative humidity, while a healthy plant can usually manage around 30% or more.
Dry-air minimum
Brown, crispy leaflet tips or edges, curling, and stalled growth can indicate air that is too dry, especially during winter heating. Check the soil and light as well, since these symptoms can have other causes.
To raise humidity, place the ZZ Plant away from radiators and heating vents, group it with other plants, or run a humidifier nearby. A pebble tray may help slightly, but it should not leave the pot sitting in water.
temperature
Preferred temperature
Winter minimum
Native to warm, seasonally dry parts of eastern Africa, ZZ Plants prefer steady warmth and handle ordinary indoor heat well. Keep yours away from cold windows and heating or cooling vents, especially when temperatures fall below 10°C (50°F).
nutrition
April - September
During active growth, feed approximately every 6-8 weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the label strength. Feed only when the plant is producing new growth, and stop from October through March unless it remains actively growing in bright, warm conditions.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports healthy stems and glossy leaflets. A cautious, balanced fertilizer provides enough without encouraging weak, overly soft growth.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and overall plant resilience. Normal feeding with a balanced fertilizer usually supplies all this slow-growing plant needs.
soil
Loose, sharply draining soil
ZZ Plant roots store water in thick rhizomes, so use a light mix that drains quickly and does not stay soggy. A quality potting mix amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse bark works well.
pH 6,0 - 7,0
This slightly acidic to neutral range suits ZZ Plant. Most all-purpose potting mixes are suitable; avoid lime-heavy mixes and choose one that stays open rather than compacting.