Zamioculcas zamiifolia is commonly known as ZZ plant, Zanzibar gem or eternity plant and is one of the most popular houseplants. ZZ plant achieves the name Zanzibar gem because of Its emerald green colored glossy leaves. If you have ever seen this plant, it must have caught your attention for its wand-like structure and very shiny leaves. This plant is very low maintenance but still looks healthy in any situation.
This tropical plant is native to East Africa, and it is too easy to care for as an indoor plant. ZZ plants normally grow in a range of 2 to 5 ft. length. It can grow in low lighting and can do better under watering than over watering. Here are some tips to grow and care for your ZZ plant.
7 Tips to care for ZZ plants
- Watering: Water this plant when the whole potting mix is dry because as this plant does better in under watering, overwatering can rot the rhizome roots. Water it in between every 2 to 3 weeks. However, do not let the potting mix dry for too long.
- Sunlight: Direct sunlight can be very beneficial for ZZ plants, but it is not mandatory. ZZ plants can grow in low-light situations. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of a ZZ plant.
- Soil: Utilize a medium-draining potting mix that involves perlite, sand or lava rocks.
- Humidity: ZZ plants can tolerate typical humidity but cannot digest cold temperature.
- Propagation: You can propagate a ZZ plant by dividing its root or by cutting the leaves or stem. Using a sharp knife can cut the root and stem.
- Fertilizer: Nourish your ZZ plant with a diluted fertilizer once in a month, especially in the growing season. However, fertilizer is not necessary for ZZ plants.
- Repotting: ZZ plants do not require repotting. Although, repotting in the beginning of the spring is suitable for a ZZ plant.
ZZ plant’s problems:
- Thin stems are an indication that your plant is not getting enough light.
- Yellow leaves along with crinkled stems are an indication of low light and under watering.
- Yellow leaves with black stems are the sign of rotting roots.
Those are all the things that you need to know to take care of a ZZ plant. This plant does not need special requirements to bloom. This plant can brighten up your dark corners, and also looks great on the tabletops and window ledges. As this plant purifies the indoor air, you can have these plants in your office. ZZ plant is one of the best plants for people who don’t have enough skill at growing plants.
