When you're just staring out with a houseplant collection, or looking for some undemanding green office decor, ZZ plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, lives up to one of its common names—Eternity Plant.
This is an indoor tropical characterized by upright growth, shiny, oval-shaped, deep green leaves, and a reputation for being hard to kill. A good choice for almost any indoor environment, note that ZZ plants are toxic to people and pets.
| Common Name | ZZ Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Eternity Plant, Aroid Palm |
| Botanical Name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Tropical perennial |
| Mature Size | 2- to 4-feet tall and wide |
| Sun Exposure | Bright to low indirect light |
| Soil Type | Well-draining |
| Soil pH | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | Yellow-brown spadix |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA 9 to 10 |
| Native Area | Eastern Africa |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people and pets |
How to Grow ZZ Plants
ZZ plants are low-maintenance houseplants even gardeners with black thumbs 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
Tip
ZZ plants have naturally shiny leaves that accumulate dust and can look dull over time. Commercial leaf shine products clog the pores. Use a damp washcloth, instead, to clean your plant and restore its shine.
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Light
ZZ plants adapt to a wide range of lighting conditions and can ‘technically’ survive without any natural light. They do best, though, in bright, indirect light and can get leggy when not given enough light. Avoid direct sunlight which scorches the leaves.
Soil
Standard houseplant potting mixes are sufficient for a zz plant as long as they drain well.
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
Well-suited to average indoor temperatures and humidity, these tropical aroids do not tolerate cold temperatures and can suffer damage at temperatures lower than 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.
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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; 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 45-degree 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. Check to ensure the roots look healthy and aren't soggy and brown.
- 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.
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.
| Pest | What to Look For | How to Treat |
| Mealybugs | Small, white, oval insects measuring 1/4 inch and powdery wax on plant stems | Spray with water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil |
| Fungus gnats | Small flies, eggs and larvae in plant soil | Keep soil very dry and water with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water |
| Aphids | Small, pear-shaped insect that is green, yellow, red, or black | Spray with water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil |
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.
Plants You Might Also Like
- How to Grow and Care for Pothos
- How to Grow and Care for Raven ZZ Plant
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- How to Grow and Care for Spider Plant
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FAQ
What makes a ZZ plant so unique?
ZZ plants have been found to remove indoor air pollutants including formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide.
Where is a good spot in the house for at ZZ plant?
For optimum benefit from your ZZ plant place it near a fuel burning appliance.
Is it ok to touch a ZZ plant?
It's perfectly ok to touch a ZZ plant but you might want to wear gloves, especially when dividing, pruning and repotting. The sap of this plant can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Wash with soap and water to remove sap from skin.
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Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. North Carolina State Extension
Four Benefits of Houseplants. South Dakota State University Extension
