Since I was a child, I like to experiment different types of ZZ plants. I started with a ZZ Crow plant and quickly evolved into different species of ZZ plants. The beautiful leaves and easy maintenance routines kept me from settling for just one strain.
My favorite ZZ plant species are Crow, Dwarf Zenzi, Variegated, and Dark Zamicro. These varieties of ZZ plants are an expression of strength, beauty and prosperity. In addition, they maintain color harmony and contrast.
I wrote this article to share otherwise ZZ plant types with their respective photos for easy identification. I’ve also highlighted quick care tips for ZZ plants. Take the time to read through and choose a strain that matches your preferences.
Contents
Different Types of ZZ Plants with Pictures
Zamicolous zamifoliais is the smallest group of houseplants because there are beautiful and exciting varieties to grow at home. Each species has a unique grooming routine.
Below is a quick list of ZZ plant species with their respective photos. Please take the time to read its features and care tips.
Raven ZZ Factory

This is the most popular type of ZZ plant that resembles the crow. This species of ZZ plant is also called jungle warrior or blackbird.
The Raven ZZ plant is a slow growing variety and can reach 30 inches in height. Fleshy, succulent stems with black leaves make a lasting impression.
A juvenile crow plant has a dark green stem and leaves. The color tends to turn black when ripe. The leaves have an elongated shape with 6-8 leaflets.
ZZ Variegata

The species has yellow-white tints to the foliage. Zamicolous zamiifolia variegata is also called Zamia Albino due to its white-yellow discoloration.
ZZ Variegata has the most demanding grooming routines compared to other varieties. The variety thrives in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
The houseplant can reach 2 to 3 feet tall. Bright yellow or gold colors with white dots add a supreme look to your home or office.
regular ZZ plant

The regular ZZ plant is also another common variety in plant stores. Plus, growing and maintaining a regular ZZ plant is easy.
This ZZ plant has medium dark green leaves and is slow growing. A juvenile regular ZZ plant has glossy pale green leaves that make a lasting impression.
Dark green lanceolate leaves add a tropical flair to any drab decor. I recommend placing the plant in a location with indirect direct sunlight.
ZZ Dwarf Zenzi

It belongs to the ZZ dwarf plant species and is generally an unusual species. The dwarf zenzi has slightly curled dark green leaves.
The leaves are closely grouped on the petiole. The rachis (leaf stalks) are sturdier to create a sturdy looking houseplant.
It grows up to a foot tall with similar care requirements as a regular ZZ plant. But this ZZ plant species needs less space than the others.
Dwarf plant Zamicro ZZ

The Zamicro dwarf bears strong similarities to the ZZ crow plant. But the Zamicro has dark green leaves and is usually smaller.
The ZZ cultivar can reach 16 inches with small, flat leaves. The petals are about half an inch wide each.
A juvenile dwarf Zamicro ZZ plant has bright green leaves. The compact shape with natural emerald green leaves leaves a lasting impression.
ZZ Lucky Classic Plant

The classic Lucky ZZ plant has some minor differences between the ZZ Lucky Giant and ZZ Lucky White plants. The species can reach 4 to 5 feet tall with its sturdy stems.
The classic ZZ Lucky plant has medium dark green leaves. The round leaves make the species unique from its congeners.
In addition, the leaves of the ZZ Lucky Classic plant are narrower and larger than other ZZ plant species. It is an ideal plant for paths with lots of indirect sunlight.
ZZ whipped cream

ZZ Whipped Cream is one of the rarest ZZ plant varieties. It has herbaceous stems that grow up to 2 to 5 feet tall.
The ZZ plant species thrives in indirect full sun. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves and drop the stems.
White and light green leaves make this houseplant interesting. Stem cuttings are the ideal method for propagating the ZZ whipped cream variety.
ZZ Bitkisi Strains

Zamia Bitkisi is a Turkish name meaning plant. The ZZ plant species has slightly elongated stems that grow up to 30 inches.
The species can thrive and adapt in any space without any problem. The fleshy stems store water to keep vital cells strong and swollen.
Juvenile zamia bitkisi has light green leaves that turn dark green when mature. Growing and caring for zamia bitkisi is very easy.
Supernova ZZ

Species ZZ is sister to a crow counterpart. The ZZ supernova comes from Africa and is also called the ZZ purple-black crow.
It is a slow growing species and can reach a length of 30 centimeters after many years. The stems have water storage sacs and the leaves are dark purple.
Some cultivars have red-black stripes. But most supernovae have elongated leaves with neatly arranged leaflets on the stems.
ZZ Akebono

This is another rare variety of ZZ plant with a Japanese name. Akebono means the color of the sky at sunrise. It is a herbaceous perennial and can reach 3 to 4 feet in height.
ZZ Akebono species are native to East Africa. The fleshy leaves store water and supply it to the plant when the water source is insufficient.
The Akebono has different leaf colors like white, cream, pale and yellow. The leaves are mottled with folded edges. They have smooth leaf surfaces.
ZZ lucky white

ZZ Lucky White is a variegated variety of ZZ plants. The coloring of the plant gives a striking appearance when grown in a striking environment.
The houseplant can reach 4 to 6 feet tall and belongs to herbaceous succulents. The stems are elongated with a rhizome below.
This lucky white variety has soft green colors with a whitish structure. It also has less pointed rounded leaves.
How to care for ZZ plants?
ZZ requirements for plant light
ZZ plants thrive in moderate to bright indirect sunlight. These indoor plants also tolerate artificial light well. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent burnt leaves and stems from falling off.
ZZ Plant water requirements
ZZ plants prefer slightly moist potting soil to stay healthy and happy. Too much water causes root rot and kills the houseplant. I recommend watering the plant once every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer. Reduce the frequency of watering in winter and fall.
Humidity and temperature requirements
ZZ plants can tolerate indoor humidity. 40-50% humidity is ideal for growing ZZ plants indoors. Maintain an indoor temperature range of 65-80OF (18-26OC). Keep the ZZ plant away from hot and cold drafts.
Requirements for ZZ Plant Fertilizer
ZZ plants grow slowly compared to other tropical plants. Feeding the plant every spring and summer will speed up its growth rate. Use a slow-release fertilizer or homemade houseplant fertilizer.
ZZ soil requirements for plants
The houseplant thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Aerated soil allows free circulation of air around the root system. It also helps prevent overwatering and root rot.
ZZ Plant Propagation
The ZZ plant is a rare houseplant that can be propagated from leaf and stem cuttings. I recommend propagating the houseplant in the spring.
ZZ Plant Transplant Requirements
The ZZ plant has a slow growth rate and rarely experiences root problems. Repotting is essential to replenish the soil and nourish the plant. Transplant ZZ plants in spring, not winter.
Size and care
Clean the leaves of the ZZ plant weekly to remove dust by soaking a lint-free cloth in warm water and wiping the leaves. Cut off the old leaves and remove the beaks with a sterilized knife. The process helps maintain a compact shape and excellent appearance.
frequently asked Questions
Is ZZ Plant safe for cats, dogs and humans?
No. The leaves of the plant are rich in calcium oxalate minerals. These compounds are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
What is the rarest ZZ plant species?
The ZZ Akebono species is the rarest variety of ZZ plants. But tissue culture technology makes it possible to scale up production to meet growing demand.
What is the most beautiful ZZ plant variety?
The ZZ Raven variety is the most beautiful variety of ZZ plants. But all varieties of ZZ plants are equally beautiful, although it depends on human psychology.
What is the most expensive ZZ plant variety?
The Raven ZZ plant variety is the most expensive due to its beautiful appearance. But there are online plant stores that offer them at a discount.
final thoughts
The ZZ plant is a small group of tropical houseplants. Therefore, there are certain varieties of ZZ plants in the world. Currently, there are about 11 to 15 species of ZZ plants through tissue culture technology.
Growing and caring for a ZZ plant is easier than other houseplants. I hope my tips for growing and caring for ZZ plants were helpful.
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