When you love plants, you want to have them in your home as well as outside. Sadly, houseplants can be much more difficult to grow, especially in low lighting. I’ve written about a few plants that I grow successfully indoors, and today I’m sharing a new purchase, the ZZ plant.
The ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas Zamifolia
The ZZ plant or Zamioculcas Zamifolia, is a native of eastern Africa and is a member of the aroid family just like the Philodendron. The area where it is native, has long periods of drought, often followed by long periods of rain. Since it has adapted to such odd conditions, it makes a great houseplant for those who do not have a lot of light.
Highlights:
Sun: Indirect and low lighting
Water: Minimal especially in lower lighting – Never let it sit in water
Height: Up to 3 feet but slow growing
It also doesn’t need to be watered very often. In fact, you will notice that the potting mix is very course allowing for a fast drain when watered. And like many plants, it hates to have wet feet, so make sure you don’t let it sit in water. This plant also has no particular humidity needs and very little to no pest problems.
I bought this plant a couple of months ago. It sits on my desk with couple of other plants next to a south eastern window which gets some light but is not extremely bright.
I like the lush glossy leaves and the fullness of this plant. So far it is looking great and has grown a bit, although it is thought to be a relatively slow grower, especially in lower lighting areas. I have noticed that I do need to watch and make sure when I water that I check back after a few minutes, and get rid of any extra water lying in the saucer.
Note: All parts of the plant are said to be poisonous. Keep away from children and pets.
While I was doing some research, I found this interesting article by Mr. Brown Thumb about getting the feel of the weight of your pots, to know when to water. I like this idea. The finger method is a good one, but sometimes I’m just not sure, and let me tell you have I have killed a plant or two in the past by over-watering.
I also really liked this detailed and humorous information about Zamioculcas Zamifolia in this article from Plants are the Strangest People.
If you like plants then you should have them inside your home too.
Give the ZZ plant a try. I’m very happy I with mine.
Jo Murphey says
A friend of mine gave me a ZZ house plant when my husband passed away in January. It has been growing awesome up until last month, the stacks of leaves started turning yellow. I thought it was root bound so separated two plants fro. One so that the roots wouldn’t be cramped. I have watered both of them once a week moderately, but now more stalks are turning yellow, I’m wondering if I need to add something The the soil to prevent this and encourage the leaves to grow lush green again! Do you know what I can do?
Patti Estep says
Hi Jo,
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. Regarding your ZZ plant, though I cannot be sure, I would suggest not watering it for a few weeks and see if it starts looking better. I hardly ever water mine. Maybe once a month and it has stayed nice a green with some new growth. It’s really hard to do nothing, I know, but sometimes that’s the best thing to do. Since you re-potted it you it may need some time to readjust. Also, you may want to ask in some of the great community forums online such as Dave’s garden. Good luck. I think it can still bounce back.
Peggy says
Do they like a big pot or more compact root area. I’ve had mine about 3 years & it just started growing like crazy. Trying to decide if I should repot.
Patti Estep says
Hi Peggy,
How exciting. I’ve only had mine plant for a little over a year but found this article that may be helpful. It’s about dividing but has good information about the type of soil to pot the divisions which in my opinion is key.
http://www.jackwallington.com/dividing-a-zamioculcas-zamiifolia-zz-plant/
Good luck and thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Pamela @FlowerPatchFarmhouse says
I have fallen back in love with terra cotta pots because you can see when the soil is dried out by the color of the pot. Plus it breathes so you are less likely to drown a plant than in the plastic pots. Though I have grown house plants in abundance for 40 years I am just learning this. 🙂 I have yet to find this plant but it looks like a good one, love the glossy leaves, it reminds me of my lemon trees.
Patti says
Hi Pamela,
You make a great point about terra cotta and I do love their look. That’s for the reminder!
Heather @ New House New Home says
Its really cute! I love the fresh green and shape of the leaves. I’ll have to keep my eye out for one!
Patti says
Thanks Heather! I often go for the wispy fern or flower but there’s something about the fleshy lush leaves that I really like about this one. I hope you find one soon.
Renee Fuller says
I haven’t seen one of these and now I will have pay attention when I check out plants. Great post!
Patti Estep says
Hope you find one soon!
Susan M. says
This plant is beautiful! The green would be so pretty inside, especially in the winter!
Patti Estep says
Thanks Susan,
I’m really enjoying it.