The ZZ Plant has become one of the most popular indoor plants in recent years thanks to its strength and reliability. ZZs have stem-like stems with glossy, waxy leaves. Incredibly easy to care for, ZZ plants are perfect for any plant lover. Learn how to propagate, cultivate ZZ Plant and all its care.
Contents
quick summary
- Plant type: tropical perennial
- Scientific name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Family: Araceae
- Sun exposure: Bright light to low indirect light
- Irrigation: Drought resistant. Every 2/3 weeks
- Cut: 1 to 2 meters high
- Soil type: well drained
- Soil pH: neutral to acid
- Toxicity: Slightly toxic to humans and animals
ZZ plants are indoor plants that require very little maintenance. This plant can tolerate almost anything. They thrive when left alone, making them perfect for beginners.
Where to Grow ZZ Plant
ZZs are mainly grown outdoors in East Africa where the climate is harsh and dry. They are known to thrive in this habitat. The flowers are white and resemble a peace lily.
When growing Plant ZZ outside of their natural environment, they tend to survive better indoors and very rarely flower as houseplants.
This plant is ideal for brightening up any space and is ready to survive even the toughest conditions.
It can survive low light, low humidity and a sporadic watering schedule. It would surely kill most houseplants, but not this one. It is the optimal plant choice for offices, plant novices and forgetful humans.
This plant likes indirect light. Medium to bright light is best for growth, but ZZs can even tolerate rooms with no natural light.
The ZZ plant can tolerate neglect, but follow the guidelines below for the best growing conditions.
ZZ Plant Propagation
ZZ plants can be propagated in two ways: by division or by cuttings.
Division:
Division is the simplest method of propagation. When repotting, separate the plant, making sure to include a rhizome with a stem, and repot it with fresh potting soil.
With this method, you get multiple ZZs without too much work. Leave it in the shade until you see new growth on the stems and leaves.
Cuttings:
Stem cuttings are a little trickier, but still worth the wait. Anything you cut from the plant can be propagated.
Cut branches about 10-15cm long, bury the base 1cm deep in a pot with garden soil and water. Place the pot in a place where it does not receive direct sunlight and always keep the soil moist.
You will have to be patient. ZZ plants are slow growing and can take 6-9 months to form a new rhizome.
You should start seeing roots in a few months. Make sure the soil is always kept moist so the stems are happy while you wait for new growth.
Once the roots are over a centimeter long or a new rhizome forms, the plant can be placed in a new pot for cultivation.
ZZ Plant Care
Irrigation
Place them in well-drained soil and be sure to water them every 2-3 weeks. The only thing that can harm a ZZ is overwatering. So when in doubt, water less often and make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings.
ZZs grow from bulbous rhizomes that store water. They are drought tolerant plants and the rhizomes allow them to survive without a regular watering schedule. They can go without water for months.
Just stick to that watering schedule and dust the leaves gently with a damp cloth if needed, and your ZZ will do the trick on its own.
Soil and fertilization
The soil requirements of ZZ plants are low maintenance. They prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Any store-bought succulent mix or potting soil will work. If you need more aeration, you can add perlite or sand to the mix.
Most houseplants need regular feeding throughout the growing season, but not ZZ. This plant is generally happy and healthy without the need for fertilizer.
You can feed once or twice during the growing season to encourage new growth. Use diluted liquid fertilizer during irrigation.
You might be tempted to fertilize more often, but it’s important to note that ZZs are slow growing plants and over-fertilizing will damage the plants.
light and temperature
ZZ plants are also flexible when it comes to lighting. They can tolerate any level of indirect sunlight, from low to high.
This plant will grow best in medium to high indirect light, but can survive even in environments without natural light.
This flexibility makes ZZ plants perfect for offices and bathrooms that don’t get a lot of natural light.
It is possible for the plant to grow on long legs in low light conditions. If this is something you prefer to avoid, simply move the plant to an area where it receives more light.
The only thing the ZZ plant can’t stand is direct sunlight. The leaves burn quickly in full sun. Be sure to move it away from the window or put up curtains if necessary.
ZZ plants prefer temperatures between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius. Most homes stay within this range. Keep in mind that they do not tolerate cold well and are not frost hardy. Anything below 10 degrees Celsius can cause damage or be fatal to the plant.
Trim and repot a ZZ plant
ZZ plants also don’t require much pruning or repotting. It is a slow growing plant, so it is happiest growing on its own.
If you notice the leaves turning yellow, prune them. Plants naturally shed a few leaves as they grow, so don’t worry about a few yellow leaves. You can pinch them or use clean scissors to remove them.
Being slow growing, ZZ plants will also be happy in the same pot for a few years on average. You will be able to know when it is time to transplant thanks to the rhizomes. They will start pushing against the sides of the pot or sticking out of the ground.
When you notice this, increase the size of the pot. Pots with drainage holes are preferred, but ZZs will do just as well in pots without drainage holes. If you are using a pot without holes, put a layer of perlite at the bottom to allow the soil to get rid of excess water.
Pests and toxicity
ZZ plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, so there’s not much to worry about.
ZZs can have pests such as scale insects and spider mites, but this is not common. If you see pests, spray the plant with a neem oil solution and wipe it off. Come back in a few days and treat again if necessary.
These plants are mildly toxic to pets and humans. ZZs produce calcium oxalate, a compound that causes irritation on contact. Contact with plant sap may cause skin and eye irritation.
If ingested, symptoms may include upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms are usually mild and do not cause permanent illness or death. Try to keep ZZ away from pets and small children to avoid any problems.
For takeout
If you’re new to plant care or want to expand your current collection, the ZZ is the easy choice. Literally. It is a very tolerant plant that thrives in a wide variety of conditions. Forgot to water? Nothing happens. Don’t get a lot of sun? Nothing happens either.
ZZ plants are the perfect introduction plant. If you think you can’t keep anything alive, try a ZZ! This plant will brighten up your space without too many demands.
It may be interesting to read: How to propagate, cultivate Heart Necklace and its care
Comment below if you have any questions on how to grow the ZZ plant. Also, feel free to share any additional tips. We would like to know how you take care of your ZZ plant.
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