Collection: Zz Plant

If just like me, you find Zamioculcas zamiifolia a little mouthful and difficult to pronounce then henceforth we will call this darling the ZZ Plant (pronounced zee-zee). Native to the Eastern African region, the ZZ can grow happily in the widest range of conditions. The plant is so cool that it is almost unreal and guests would be touching it to just make sure.

Zamiifolia Zamioculcas Plant

The plant grows in the shape of wands arching out of the soil, with shiny leaves arranged along the length. The leaves start out lighter green in colour and then progress to a darker more emerald green, earning it the name Zanzibar Gem. The ZZ is an excellent plant of choice for people with a brown thumb or are just starting out, it’s the easiest plant you could ever have and it is also an excellent air purifier.

ZZ plant care

Let’s take a look at the care tips and learn how to make the ZZ become the centrepiece in your home.

▶ Common name:

ZZ plant, Zanzibar Gem

▶ Botanical name:

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

▶ Sunlight:

Medium to Low light

▶ Air:

Well ventilated

▶ Soil:

Rich and well-draining

▶ Water:

When the soil dries out completely.

▶ Fertilisers:

Once every month

▶ Issues:

Rot due to overwatering. It does better with underwatering.

▶Sunlight for ZZ plant

For the ZZ, direct sunlight is great but not essential. The ZZ can survive happily in anything from bright sunlight window sills to low light corners or your bedrooms. Brighter light ensures faster growth, sturdier stems, well-spaced leaves and in general healthier plants. While the plants can live happily in the lowest of lights, it leads to slower growth, spaced out leaves and thinner stems, but still just as good.

▶Placement of ZZ plant

The ZZ will do great in almost any corner of your home, from your sunny porches to your dark aisles. If your ZZ is smaller, place it on tabletops, shelves, or window sills. The larger plants look good anywhere large enough to keep them. Their erect compact growth makes them a great fit for tight corners that have nothing going on for them. Even if you are placing your ZZ in really low light corners, sunning it weekly for a couple of hours gives them enough fuel to stay healthy and keep you happy.

▶Watering for ZZ plant

ZZ has tuberous bulbous roots, resembling a potato, that stores moisture to see it through the dry days. This root structure ensures that your ZZ can stay without water for long spells and does better with underwatering than overwatering. Water your ZZ when the entire potting mix is dry. Don’t let the soil stay dry for too long, as the plant will use up all the moisture stored in the roots. The frequency of watering depends on the amount of light it gets, plants in brighter light need more frequent watering and vice versa.
When watering an extremely dried out soil (visible cracks and soil leaving the planter walls) water in batches. Watering all at once allows the water to simply pass through the soil without getting absorbed, so water in batches and let the soil soak it all up. Every time a plant I watered, water it thoroughly till you see some draining out of the drainage hole and always empty the under plate.

▶Fertilisers for ZZ plant

Feed your ZZ with a generic houseplant fertiliser every three to four weeks, diluted as instructed on the packaging. Make sure the fertilisers have the three major nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ugaoo’s Plan-T-onic and NPK are great options for both root and foliar applications. Another great way to add nutrition to the soil is through monthly addition of vermicompost or any other organic compost.

Propagating zz plants

ZZ plants can be propagated through division of the root rhizome of a mature plant, stem cuttings, and also leaf cuttings.
Take a clean sharp knife and cut through the bulbous root of a mature ZZ plant. Let the divided plants air dry for a day and then repot it in a fresh, well-draining potting mix. Similarly, take a stem cutting with a sharp clean knife or pluck a leaf from the stem (preserving the leaf stalk) and propagate the cutting in water for a few weeks till a bulbous root system develops and then transplant it into a potting mix.

Plant problems of ZZ plant

🔺 Spaced out leaves, or etiolation, is a sign of low light or a long time. Give it a few hours of direct sun every week or two for a healthy growth. Thin spindly stems are a sign of unhealthy plant growth, give it more might and fertilise it regularly.
🔺 Yellowing leaves with wrinkled stems is a sign of underwatering or low light exposure or both. Remedy the situation for better growth.
🔺Yellowing leaves with black mushy stems are a sign of root rot due to overwatering.
🔺 Unpot the plant and wash the roots to check for rot. If there are any blackening roots, cut it off and preserve the white roots. Let the root system dry out in a ventilated space for a day, away from direct light.

FAQs

Is ZZ a good indoor plant?

If by "ZZ" you mean Zamioculcas zamiifolia, then yes, it is generally considered a good indoor plant for a number of reasons:
Low maintenance: ZZ plants are known for being extremely low maintenance and easy to care for. They can tolerate low light, drought, and neglect, making them ideal for beginners or those with a busy lifestyle.
Air-purifying: ZZ plants are effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, making them a great addition to any home or office. Stylish: The shiny, dark green leaves of ZZ plants can add a touch of elegance and style to any interior décor. Long-lasting: With proper care, ZZ plants can live for many years, making them a great investment for your home or office.
However, it's worth noting that ZZ plants are toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so they should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Additionally, overwatering can cause root rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the lifespan of a ZZ plant?

The lifespan of a ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) can vary depending on several factors, such as growing conditions and care. However, with proper care, a ZZ plant can live for many years, even decades.
In ideal growing conditions, a ZZ plant can grow slowly but steadily and produce new leaves each year. With proper care, a mature ZZ plant can reach a height of up to 3 feet (1 meter) and have a lifespan of 5-10 years or more. Some ZZ plants have been known to live for over 20 years.
To ensure the longevity of your ZZ plant, it's important to provide it with proper care, such as well-draining soil, bright but indirect light, and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot, which can shorten the lifespan of your plant. Additionally, keep in mind that ZZ plants can go dormant during periods of stress, such as low light or drought, but they will usually recover once conditions improve.

Is the ZZ plant a lucky plant?

In many cultures, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is considered a lucky plant that brings good fortune, prosperity, and wealth. This is because the plant is believed to have strong feng shui properties, as it symbolizes growth, new beginnings, and financial stability.
According to feng shui principles, the round and shiny leaves of the ZZ plant represent coins, and the plant's upward growth pattern symbolizes upward financial growth and progress. Therefore, placing a ZZ plant in the home or office is believed to attract positive energy, promote financial success, and ward off negative energy. While there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that plants can bring luck, many people believe in the power of plants to bring positive energy into their lives.

Where should I place my ZZ plant at home?

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a versatile indoor plant that can tolerate low to bright indirect light and a wide range of temperatures. Here are some general guidelines on where to place your ZZ plant at home:
Bright, indirect light: ZZ plants prefer bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate lower light conditions. Place your plant near a north or east-facing window or in a shaded area near a south or west-facing window.
Avoid direct sunlight: ZZ plants can be sensitive to direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, especially during the hot summer months.
Warm temperatures: ZZ plants prefer warm temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid placing your plant in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations or drafts.
Well-draining soil: ZZ plants prefer well-draining soil that is slightly dry. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
Suitable locations: ZZ plants are great for any room in the house, including the bedroom, living room, and bathroom. They are also great for office spaces and other public areas.
Remember to water your ZZ plant only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to your plant. With proper care and placement, your ZZ plant can thrive and bring beauty and greenery to your home.

Do ZZ plants need fertilizer?

ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are known for their ability to thrive in low-nutrient conditions, so they do not require frequent fertilization. However, occasional feeding can help keep the plant healthy and promote growth.
During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize your ZZ plant once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly before and after fertilizing to prevent fertilizer burn.
In the dormant season (fall and winter), you can reduce or stop fertilizing altogether, as the plant's growth slows down during this time.
It's important not to over-fertilize your ZZ plant, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the roots and harm the plant. Signs of over-fertilization include brown leaf tips, stunted growth, and a white crust on the soil surface.
In general, ZZ plants are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive without regular fertilization, as long as they are provided with suitable growing conditions, including well-draining soil, bright but indirect light, and moderate watering.