ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia · Family Araceae
Also known as: zamioculcas, zanzibar gem, zz
- Light
- Shade to bright indirect
- Watering
- Every 14 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
Study, living room or a bathroom without a big window.
Light
Great for low-light spaces. Avoid direct sun.
Watering
Stores water in its rhizomes; water sparingly and infrequently.
About the plant
Its glossy leaves look waxed and grow from a thick rhizome that stores water. It became a craze in offices and flats because it copes with low light and rare watering. It grows slowly and usually reaches 40–90 cm in a pot.
Origin
Native to East Africa, from Kenya to South Africa, in areas with long dry spells.
What it likes
- Indirect light, even partial shade
- Letting the compost dry between waterings
- Warm rooms, above 15 °C
What it dislikes
- Frequent watering and soggy compost
- Strong direct sun on the leaves
- Cold draughts
Did you know?
A single leaflet placed in moist compost can form roots and a small rhizome, giving rise to a new plant.
