Description
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ Plant, is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant with glossy, deep green leaves that thrive in low-light conditions. Its ability to tolerate neglect and minimal watering makes it one of the most reliable and popular indoor plants.
- Full Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Common Names: ZZ Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Emerald Palm
- Country and/or Region of Origin: Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar)
- Growing Conditions in Native Habitat: Found growing in dry grasslands and shaded forest edges, where it stores water in thick rhizomes to survive droughts
- Care Guide:
- Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; avoid harsh direct sunlight
- Ideal Room: Office, bedroom, or hallway — ideal for low-light spaces
- Feeding: Balanced houseplant fertilizer every 6–8 weeks in spring and summer
- Humidity: Prefers low to moderate humidity
- Ideal Temperature: 18–30°C; avoid cold drafts below 15°C
- Watering: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Pet/Child Safe: Toxic (species level) — contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation, drooling, and nausea if ingested by pets or humans
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with sand or perlite to prevent root rot
- Propagation: Leaf or stem cuttings; can also propagate from rhizome division
- Eventual Height and Spread: 45–90 cm tall; 30–60 cm wide
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Pests and Treatment: Rare; occasionally spider mites or mealybugs — treat with neem oil
- Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound
- Pruning: Remove yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance
- Air Purification: Excellent; filters benzene, toluene, and xylene from the air
- Folklore: The ZZ Plant is often regarded as a symbol of prosperity and endurance due to its ability to thrive under neglect
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