HouseplantsDiscover the right indoor plants for your home.
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The riotous and leafyZamioculcas zamiifolia(or ZZ plant for short ) may be difficult to pronounce but could n’t be easier to grow . Also called “ Zanzibar gem ” because of its African origin , ZZ industrial plant depend exotic but is tough as nail , thriving just about anywhere with only a modicum of charge .
Likesnake plant life , it has become a favourite among houseplant growers who fuck indoor greenery that does n’t ask pampering or a gross growing environment . ZZ plant is also prise for its stunning foliage , which is so green and glossy it almost attend polished . If you desire to try out something even more alien , appear for New ZZ plant varieties sporting variegated or cryptical purple leaf .
On this page : Basics|Growing Tips|Care|Propagation|Troubleshooting|Varieties
On this pageboy :
BASICS
Botanical name:
Zamioculcas zamiifolia(pronounced zam - ee - oh - KUL - kass zam - ee - FOH - lee - uh )
Common names:
ZZ plant , zuzu plant , timeless existence plant , aroid palm , Zanzibar jewel
Origin:
East Africa
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial
Growth rate:
Slow
Height:
2 to 3 feet marvellous
Foliage:
Thick , waxy , pinnate leaflets range in distance from 3 to 5 inch and grow alternately along the stem . Leaf people of colour is typically disconsolate green but can vary depending on the cultivar .
Flowers:
Although primarily a leafage plant , ZZ industrial plant may now and then produce flowers in the frame of cream - colorize spadix , similar to those of thepeace lily . The flowers are small and usually hide under the base of the leaves .
Special attributes:
Toxicity:
All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed . Keep out of reach of shaver and darling . Also wear out glove when handling to deflect cutis irritation .
GROWING ZZ PLANT
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Light:
Low to bright indirect light , such as from a north- , east- , or west - face window . Avoid direct sun , which can sear the leaves . No windows ? No trouble . ZZ industrial plant also originate well under fluorescent ignition .
Temperature:
Indoors , grow at average room temperature of 60 to 75 academic degree F. If you put your plant out of doors during the summertime , be sure to bring it back inside if temperatures fall below 50 level F.
Humidity:
Average home humidness level are fine , but avoid placing your plant near air conditioning and heating vents , which could dry out out the air and cause browning of the leaves .
Soil:
Use a well - enfeeble potting mix that includes perlite
Watering:
One of the rare way you may kill a ZZ industrial plant is by overwatering . During the alive growing season ( spring through early descent ) , only water every two weeks or when the top in or two of grunge feels wry . body of water less often during the winter month or if growing your works under low - light experimental condition .
Fertilizing:
Because ZZ plants can stash away nutrients in their root , they do n’t call for frequent fertilization . Feed every month or so during leaping and summertime using an all - purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended rate . Do not fertilize in wintertime .
ZZ PLANT CARE
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Leaf care:
To keep the leaf courteous and shiny , clean with a damp cloth as needed to remove dust . Misting the folio once in a while will also cut rubble buildup . Keeping your industrial plant dust - liberal is just for its health too , because the leaves will be capable take in more sunlight .
Repotting:
Since ZZ plant is a slow raiser and does n’t take care live in cramp quarter , you do n’t call for to repot it often . If you desire to keep your plant the same sizing , repot it every two years or so to refresh the soil and ameliorate drain , invest it back in the same container after trim away overgrown root and shank .
If you want your plant to grow larger , put it in a new pot 1 to 2 inches in diameter wider than the current one . Because ZZ plant ’s rhizome scatter laterally , its width is assure by the diameter of the pot .
Pruning and shaping:
Pruning a ZZ plant wo n’t encourage new development as with most other houseplants , but sometimes it ’s necessary to improve the physique of your plant and to remove yellow or damaged foliage .
If your plant is overgrown , you’re able to remove integral stem by geld them away at the base with a penetrative tongue or pruning scissors . Be sure to don gloves to annul skin contact .
ZZ PLANT PROPAGATION
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ZZ plant can be propagate three ways :
TROUBLESHOOTING
Yellowing leaves:
ordinarily a signboard of overwatering , especially if the stalks are turning chocolate-brown and mushy . Prune off the legal injury and wait until your industrial plant dries out before tearing again . You may also demand to exchange the soil and repot your plant to prevent root bunk .
Brown leaf tips:
believably due to down in the mouth humidity , underwatering , or exposure to bright sunlight . Move your plant to a position that receives indirect sparkle , and if the aviation is dry , mist the leaves now and then .
Plant is leaning to one side:
Overwatering is the most common cause , result in waterlogged roots that can no longer provide good support . Your plant may also be essay more light . Try move it nigher to a windowpane or spring up under fluorescent light or LED grow lights .
Pests:
ZZ plant are generally gadfly - free but may occasionally be bother bymealybugs , exfoliation , aphids , andspider touch . Good treatments for getting rid of these louse let in lap the leave-taking with aninsecticidal soapand applyingorganic neem oil . ( See more oncommon houseplant plague . )
ZZ PLANT VARIETIES
' Raven ' ZZ flora leafage . Photo by : Premyslaw Zielinski / Shutterstock
ln gain to the classic ZZ industrial plant , there are several great cultivars deserving seeking out . If you ca n’t find them at a local garden substance , many on-line nurseries will carry them .
‘Raven'™:
‘Variegated’:
‘Zamicro’:
‘Zenzi’:
Another midget diverseness ( no taller than 15 inches ) with modest , slightly curled foliage .
