ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia): Overview

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants, making it perfect for beginners. These resilient beauties belong to the Araceae family and originate from eastern Africa. They grow in tropical regions from Kenya to South Africa. You can grow this hardy plant outdoors in warm climate zones, where night temperatures don’t fall below 50°F. 

The ZZ plant prefers medium to low light, adapting to various growing conditions. This otherwise perfect houseplant is toxic to pets when ingested because of the calcium oxalate contained in its leaves. With its prolific growth and endurance, the ZZ plant symbolizes good luck and success, making it the perfect plant gift.

Several Zamioculcas Zamiifolia plant varieties exist, including the Black Raven ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Black Raven'), with its mysterious purplish-black leaves, or the yellow-leaf Chameleon ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Chameleon').

ZZ plant Benefits

• Removes toxins from the air, making it one of the best air-purifying plants
• Good luck plant in Feng Shui because of its associations with success and prosperity
• Top choice for interior decoration due to its aesthetic beauty and elegance  
• Reduces stress and improves concentration  

ZZ plant Alternative Names

• Aroid Palm
• Eternity Plant
• Zanzibar Gem
• Emerald Palm
• Zuzu Plant
• Fortune Tree

ZZ Plant Care Guide

ZZ plants have a reputation for thriving on neglect, and they justifiably take center stage on nearly all lists of easy-care houseplants. Here are several ZZ Plant care tips to bear in mind when growing your gorgeous plant:

Watering

The ZZ plant stores water in its underground tubers to cope with drought typical for its natural habitat. That’s why your plant doesn’t need frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry before you water your ZZ plant.

Light, Temperature, and Humidity

Your Zamioculcas plant can adapt to various light conditions, but it prefers low to medium light. Your plant will also appreciate stable warm temperatures from 65°F to 70°F. Please keep it away from cold drafts. The ZZ plant doesn’t need any extra humidity.

Soil, Repotting, Propagation, and Fertilizing

Choosing the right soil type for your plant is part of the essential Zamioculcas Zamiifolia care. Your plant needs well-draining soil that won’t get soggy. You can add some perlite to enhance drainage. You would typically need to repot your ZZ plant about once every two years. Choose a pot about 2 inches larger than the previous one. If you want to propagate your ZZ plant, carefully divide the rhizomes. ZZ plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer. To feed your plant, use a balanced fertilizer at half strength at the beginning of the growing season to encourage the growth of new leaves.

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

You may need to prune a large ZZ plant to remove damaged or wilted leaves or to cut back stems that have become too heavy to remain upright. Wipe its leaves with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust. One of the ZZ plant's benefits is that it is usually unaffected by common houseplant pests. The most common problem with Zamioculcas plants is overwatering, which leads to root rot and leaf issues.

ZZ Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

The classy ZZ plant will easily add an elegant note to any area, whether you grow it outdoors on your porch in zones 9/10 or as a spectacular and undemanding indoor plant.    

Best Locations & Uses

• Great plant for bedrooms because of its stress-relieving and air-purifying properties
• An ideal low-maintenance office plant that can grow in low or artificial light in places with low humidity
• A perfect plant for beginners because it requires minimal care
• Excellent choice for plant lovers with no pets
• Ideal plant for placing in the southeastern corner of your home to invite prosperous energy into your home, according to Feng Shui

Companion Plants

You can group your ZZ plant with other low-light plants or match it with a few tropical beauties to create a mood-enhancing corner for relaxation or meditation.

• Philodendron Vine (Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime'): The charming, variegated Philodendron Vine is an inexhaustible climber that will grow cascades of trailing vines sometimes reaching the floor.
• Futura Superba Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Superba'): Easy-care and robust, the Futura Superba Snake Plant stands out with its gorgeously patterned sword-like leaves.
• Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa): Another very popular houseplant, the Split Leaf Philodendron brings the atmosphere of the lush jungle into your home with its glossy, vivid green leaves.

Alternative Plants

Since ZZ plants are toxic for pets, you may choose a pet-friendly plant variety if you are a pet owner. Not only are these plants gorgeous, but they’re also entirely safe for your cat or dog:

• Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): A great air-purifying plant that thrives in low light, the Neanthe Bella Palm is both easy to care for and pet-safe.
• Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica): The pet-friendly and resilient Money Tree Plant is also one of the most popular Feng Shui plants.
• Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia): The non-toxic Baby Rubber Plant sports adorable, glossy green leaves and can be grown in baskets. 

Upgrade your plant collection with the easy-going, must-have ZZ plant!