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ZZ plant care
Zamioculcas zamiifolia · Araceae
Also called Zanzibar gem, Aroid palm, Fern arum.
An aroid from the dry grasslands and forests of eastern and southern Africa. Its glossy leaflets grow along upright stems that rise straight from potato-like rhizomes, which store water and let the plant go weeks without a drink. It tolerates very dim rooms, though it grows faster in bright indirect light.
Light
Bright IndirectWatering
Every 2 weeksDifficulty
EasyPets
Not confirmedHeight indoors
0.5-1 m
Growth
Slow
Temperature
20-24 °C
Not below 15 °C
Humidity
30% - 50%
Fine in dry rooms
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Slightly acidic soil
Native to
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Zimbabwe
- South Africa
Through the year
Water only once the potting mix has dried out completely; in winter once a month is enough. Never let the pot sit in water.
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Spring
Every 2 weeksNew stems appear; feed once and divide crowded plants.
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Summer
Every 2 weeksWater when dry, and if it spends summer outdoors keep it in shade.
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Autumn
MonthlyBring it indoors before nights drop below 15 °C and water less.
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Winter
MonthlyWater about once a month and keep it away from cold glass.
Feeding
1-2 times a year in spring and summer. Balanced liquid fertilizer at regular strength. It grows slowly and needs little food.
Care tips
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Err on the dry side
The rhizomes hold water, so overwatering does far more harm than forgetting.
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Use a gritty mix
Peat or coir mixed with perlite and sand drains fast enough for the rhizomes.
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Propagate from leaflets
Single leaflets pushed into moist mix can root and form a new rhizome.
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Divide when crowded
Split the clump in spring when the rhizomes press against the pot.
Common problems
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Rotting rhizomes
What you seeStems turn yellow and soft at the base while the soil stays damp.
What to doUnpot it, cut off any mushy rhizomes, let the cuts dry and replant in a gritty, fast-draining mix.
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Scorched leaflets
What you seePale or brown patches on leaflets that face a sunny window.
What to doMove it out of direct sun to a spot with bright, filtered light.
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Scale insects
What you seeSmall brown bumps on stems and leaflets, sometimes with sticky residue.
What to doScrape them off or wipe with rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and repeat until none come back.
Pets
Is zz plant safe for cats and dogs?
Not confirmed. Not on the ASPCA plant lists. Like other aroids it contains calcium oxalate crystals, so keep it away from pets.
Good to know
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Each long stem is actually a single compound leaf, and the glossy leaflets are its divisions.
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The genus name joins Zamia, a cycad its leaves resemble, with 'culcas', an Arabic name for taro (Colocasia).
