If you're looking for a plant that thrives with minimal care, the ZZ plant is your perfect match. This glossy-leafed beauty is almost indestructible, making it one of the most popular low-maintenance houseplants and a favorite among beginners and seasoned plant lovers.
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, nicknamed the eternity plant, is known for its incredible ability to adapt to any light conditions. Whether placed in a dimly lit office or a bright corner of the living room, the ZZ can survive in both environments. Plus, this plant is drought tolerant. Eternity plant indeed.
If want to grow a ZZ plant for your space or learn a few tips to keep yours healthy, keep reading!
Physical Characteristics
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia is instantly recognizable for its thick, upright stems and glossy (sometimes wax-like), dark green leaves that beautifully reflect light.
In ideal conditions, the ZZ can reach up to four feet tall and form thick clusters. It naturally produces multiple stems from its underground rhizomes, creating those lush clusters.
Care Guide for the ZZ Plant
The ZZ is an easy-care plant. It mainly owes its resilience to its rhizomes, which are underground stems that grow horizontally. These rhizomes store water, allowing the plant to survive extended periods with minimal hydration.
Although it's a chill plant, it doesn't mean you can just neglect it and expect it to thrive. So, here's a little plant care guide to keep your ZZ happy:
Watering
Less is more when it comes to watering the ZZ. As this plant is drought tolerant, it has a minimal water requirement and prefers dry soil. Water only when the soil is completely dry—typically every two to three weeks.
Note that overwatering can lead to root rot, which is the quickest way to harm your plant.
TIP: Touch the soil with your finger, if it feels too dry, it's time to water. If it feels moist, wait a few more days and check again.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is important to avoid soggy roots. A standard indoor plant mix works well, especially with added perlite, sand, and bark chips to improve drainage.
Avoid dense or moisture-retaining mixes, as they can hold too much water and cause problems to the plant's rhizomes. Also, choose pots with adequate drainage holes.
Light
The ZZ is highly adaptable and can survive different light levels. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions. While it can also handle direct sunlight, prolonged exposure can scorch the leaves.
Temperature
As a tropical plant, the ZZ enjoys natural light and warmth with moderate humidity. So, it can easily thrive in average room temperatures.
It can handle slightly cooler temperatures and can withstand drier conditions without issue. But anything below 50°F may cause stress and damage to its leaves. Indoors, place your ZZ away from air conditioning and heating vents as frequent and drastic temperature fluctuations can harm its health.
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Living With a ZZ Plant Indoors
The ZZ plant's ability to thrive in low-light and low-maintenance conditions makes it perfect for indoor spaces. Whether you place it on a desk, bookshelf, or in a dim hallway, it can adapt well. To keep your ZZ happy, put it in a spot where it can enjoy bright light and away from heating vents, air conditioning, and drafty windows.
Pet owners should exercise some caution when growing ZZ plants indoors. While it's not exactly deadly to pets, it can cause unpleasant symptoms when ingested.
ZZs contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth and skin irritation, recessive drooling, and digestive discomfort. The severity of the reaction varies depending on the size of the pet and the amount of ZZ consumed.
FAQs About the ZZ Plant
Now that you know the basic plant care tips for the ZZ plant, you probably have more questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about it:
Where is the ZZ Plant from?
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia is native to East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, including parts of South Africa. It typically grows in dry grasslands and forests, where it has adapted to survive long periods of drought by storing water in its rhizomes.
Is a ZZ Plant a slow grower?
The eternity plant tends to be a slow grower. It produces new shoots and leaves at a gradual pace, with noticeable growth occurring over several months. This slow growth rate can be attributed to its natural design to survive less-than-ideal conditions where energy conservation is important.
Will a ZZ Plant root in water?
Yes, ZZ plant cuttings can grow roots in water. It's a popular and generally successful method for propagating ZZs.
While ZZs can root in water, this doesn't mean they can tolerate excess water in the soil for extended periods. Perhaps, the difference is that when placed in water for propagation, the plant isn't exposed to harmful fungi and bacteria found in waterlogged soil that cause rot.
Will ZZ Plant leaves grow back after cutting?
No, its leaves don't grow back once cut from an existing stem. If you trim or remove a damaged or yellowing leaf, that particular stem won't regrow new leaves.
When pruning, it's best to remove entire stems (which can be used to grow in another pot) at the base rather than just individual leaves. This encourages the plant to focus energy on producing healthy new shoots.
Why are its leaves turning yellow?
Older leaves naturally turn yellow and drop as part of the plant's growth cycle.
However, yellow leaves can also mean excess moisture in the soil due to overwatering and poor drainage. When the leaves yellowing, it may be a sign that root rot has occurred. It can also be a reaction to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperature changes, or nutrient deficiencies.
Why is my ZZ not growing?
ZZs are slow growers, so it's not an immediate cause for alarm when it doesn't seem to be doing much. As long as it's healthy and provided with the right care, it will eventually grow and mature.
But if its growth has indeed stalled, especially with other symptoms present like no new shoots or leaves for months, then there must be an issue with the soil, water, access to sunlight, and temperature. For example, low light levels can slow down the growth of new shoots.
Can a ZZ Plant survive without sunlight?
Yes, a ZZ Plant can survive without direct sunlight but still requires light to stay healthy. It can thrive with artificial grow lights, making it ideal for offices and windowless corners.
Can a ZZ survive winter?
Yes, this plant can survive winter as long as it stays indoors at a stable temperature. Remember, it's a tropical plant and prefers warmth, around 65°F to 85°F. It should be protected from cold drafts and sudden drops in temperature.
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