ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant, or Zamioculas Zamiifolia is a tropical indoor plant with a unique decorative appeal! With shiny, smooth leaves that start bright green and mature to a lovely emerald color. Popular for its ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it a great starter houseplant for new gardeners, and a favorite for interior plant enthusiasts. Great in low-light areas! The ZZ plant thrives with neglect, making it a perfect choice for busy lifestyles. Its slow-growing nature and air-purifying properties add to its appeal. Despite its tropical origins, it adapts well to average household humidity levels.
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(Learn more about the Zamioculcas on Wikipedia)
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Species: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Other Species Names: Zanzibar Gem, Zuzu Plant, Emerald Palm
Plant Height: 18-36 in.
Spread: 24-48 in.
Evergreen: No
Plant Form: upright
Summer Foliage Color: Green| Dark Green
Minimum Sunlight: Partial Shade
Maximum Sunlight: Full Sun
The tropical ZZ plant is a close relative of Chinese Evergreen, Anthurium and Philodendron. Easy to care for and cultivate, with decorative feather-like leaves carrying an exotic flair.
ZZ Plant is one of the toughest plants around, making it a perfect choice to add to your home or office. Whether you're able to give it steady care, travel a lot, or just get distracted by all the stresses of daily life, ZZ Plant survives it all. Plus, it looks good: The plant features shiny, dark green leaves that look waxy.
What makes ZZ plant such a good houseplant is that it's wonderfully tolerant to a wide range of conditions, including low light, low humidity, and periods of drought. Like most other plants, ZZ plant doesn't even need natural light -- it'll thrive just fine indoors under fluorescent lights, such as those in office buildings. That means it will survive just about any corner of your home, even if you only water it once every couple of weeks (it grows best, though, when watered as the top inch or two of the potting mix dries). It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich, porous soils.
How to Care for ZZ Plants
ZZ Plants thrive in bright, indirect light but are extremely tolerant of low-light conditions, making them ideal for offices and low-sun rooms. They can handle some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon light, which can scorch their glossy leaves. Too little light may slow growth but won’t harm the plant.
ZZ Plants prefer well-draining, loose soil—a mix designed for succulents or cacti works perfectly. A blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand helps prevent water retention. Good drainage is essential to avoid root rot, as ZZ Plants store moisture in their rhizomes.
Water sparingly, as ZZ Plants are drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings—typically every 2–3 weeks in warmer months and less in winter. Overwatering is the most common issue; yellowing leaves often signal too much moisture.
Feed ZZ Plants with a diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every 2–3 months during spring and summer. They grow slowly and don’t need frequent feeding. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is resting.
Pruning is minimal—simply remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base using clean shears. You can also cut back overgrown stems to shape the plant or encourage fuller growth. ZZ Plants are naturally tidy and require little maintenance.
ZZ Plants are highly resistant to pests and diseases, but they may occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites in dry indoor air. Wipe leaves regularly and ensure proper airflow. Root rot can occur from excess watering or poor drainage.
No—ZZ Plants are not frost-tolerant. They prefer warm indoor temperatures between 65°F and 85°F and should be kept away from cold drafts. Exposure below 50°F can damage leaves and slow growth significantly.