ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the world’s most attractive and easiest to grow houseplants. Its elegant wand-shaped stalks are thick and bulbous near the base and taper to a pointy end. The fleshy, oval leaves are a striking dark green hue. A full-grown ZZ plant is typically 3-4 feet tall. That makes it perfect for both large and small indoor spaces.
ZZ plants growing in their natural habitat bloom from mid-summer to early fall. ZZ plant flowers are small, spathe type and not too attractive. Indoor plants seldom bear flowers. The plants are covered entirely by a waxy coating that gives them an eye-catchy, super glossy look.
The benefits of ZZ plants aren’t limited to ornamentation. They also improve the air quality by removing toxins such as benzene, toluene and xylene from the surroundings. Looking to buy the inimitable ZZ plant? Know how you can care for it and ensure its longevity.
ZZ plant care
Light and Temperature Requirements – ZZ plants perform best in bright spaces, but they’re not fussy about light. They’ll do just fine even in a windowless office or bathroom where they only receive a little fluorescent light.
Make sure not to place them in an area that receives direct sunlight as it can scald the leaves. Yellowed or curled leaves are a clear indicator your plant is receiving more light than it desires. In such cases, it’s best to move it to a spot that offers more shade.
Soil Conditions – You can use any commercially available potting mix with high sand or perlite content to grow ZZ plants. They can do well in varied soil types. Just make sure the soil has good drainage and the pot or container has sufficient drainage holes.
Water Requirements – ZZ plants don’t require frequent watering. Simply irrigate whenever the soil surface feels dry to touch. Avoid watering too much and too frequently as it can result in stem and rhizome rot.
Food Requirements – ZZ plants can do well without fertilization. If you feel your plant needs a boost, fertilize it once a month during the growing period – from spring to fall. You can use both 10-10-10 and 20-20-20 houseplant fertilizers for the task. Dilute the fertilizer so it’s at half strength. Feeding the plants using a fertilizer of greater strength can cause damage to the roots and foliage and should be avoided.
