HouseplantsDiscover the right indoor plants for your home.
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The succulent and leafyZamioculcas zamiifolia(or ZZ plant for short ) may be difficult to pronounce but could n’t be gentle to mature . Also call “ Zanzibar treasure ” because of its African ancestry , ZZ industrial plant see exotic but is tough as nail , thriving just about anywhere with only a modicum of precaution .
Likesnake flora , it has become a favorite among houseplant growers who sleep together indoor greenery that does n’t take pampering or a perfect originate environment . ZZ plant life is also prise for its stunning leaf , which is so immature and sheeny it almost calculate milled . If you want to try out something even more alien , bet for raw ZZ plant variety sporting variegated or deep purple foliage .
On this page : Basics|Growing Tips|Care|Propagation|Troubleshooting|Varieties
On this page :
BASICS
Botanical name:
Zamioculcas zamiifolia(pronounced zam - electrical engineering - oh - KUL - kass zam - ee - FOH - lee - uh )
Common names:
ZZ flora , zuzu plant , eternity plant life , aroid palm , Zanzibar gem
Origin:
East Africa
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial
Growth rate:
Slow
Height:
2 to 3 feet marvelous
Foliage:
Thick , waxy , pinnate leaflet range in duration from 3 to 5 inches and maturate alternately along the stem . Leaf color is typically dark green but can vary depend on the cultivar .
Flowers:
Although primarily a foliage plant , ZZ plant may occasionally produce prime in the form of emollient - colored spadix , similar to those of thepeace lily . The flowers are small and usually hidden under the base of the leafage .
Special attributes:
Toxicity:
All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed . Keep out of stretch of children and PET . Also wear off gloves when handle to avoid skin provocation .
GROWING ZZ PLANT
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Light:
Low to bright indirect lighting , such as from a north- , east- , or west - face windowpane . Avoid direct sunshine , which can scorch the leaves . No window ? No problem . ZZ plant also grows well under fluorescent ignition .
Temperature:
Indoors , develop at medium room temperature of 60 to 75 degrees F. If you put your flora out of doors during the summer , be sure to land it back inside if temperatures strike below 50 degree F.
Humidity:
fair family humidity stage are fine , but avert placing your plant near atmosphere conditioning and heating vent-hole , which could dry out out the air and cause brown of the leaves .
Soil:
Use a well - draining potting mixture that includes perlite
Watering:
One of the rare ways you’re able to kill a ZZ plant is by overwatering . During the active growing time of year ( outflow through early gloam ) , only water every two weeks or when the top inch or two of soil feels dry . Water less frequently during the winter months or if growing your plant under gloomy - Inner Light conditions .
Fertilizing:
Because ZZ plants can hive away nutrients in their roots , they do n’t demand frequent dressing . tip every month or so during spring and summertime using an all - purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the commend rate . Do not fertilize in wintertime .
ZZ PLANT CARE
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Leaf care:
To keep the foliage courteous and shining , sporty with a damp cloth as needed to remove dust . mist the leave-taking at times will also reduce dust buildup . Keeping your plant detritus - free is good for its health too , because the leaves will be able take in more sunlight .
Repotting:
Since ZZ works is a dumb grower and does n’t mind living in cramped twenty-five percent , you do n’t necessitate to repot it often . If you want to keep your industrial plant the same size of it , repot it every two years or so to refresh the ground and better drainage , putting it back in the same container after crop away overgrown roots and radical .
If you desire 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 rootstalk spread laterally , its width is controlled by the diam of the pot .
Pruning and shaping:
Pruning a ZZ plant wo n’t encourage young ontogeny as with most other houseplant , but sometimes it ’s necessary to amend the shape of your flora and to move out yellowing or damaged foliage .
If your plant is overgrown , you may remove full stalks by cut them away at the base with a penetrating knife or pruning scissors hold . Be sure to wear gloves to avoid skin contact .
ZZ PLANT PROPAGATION
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ZZ plants can be distribute three agency :
TROUBLESHOOTING
Yellowing leaves:
Usually a mansion of overwatering , especially if the stalks are turning browned and mushy . Prune off the damage and waitress until your plant life dries out before watering again . You may also need to vary the filth and repot your plant to prevent root rot .
Brown leaf tips:
Probably due to low humidity , underwatering , or exposure to bright sunlight . Move your industrial plant to a location that receives indirect light source , and if the air is dry , mist the leaves once in a while .
Plant is leaning to one side:
Overwatering is the most usual cause , resulting in waterlogged roots that can no longer render good accompaniment . Your industrial plant may also be seeking more light . Try moving it closer to a window or grow under fluorescent light or LED grow lights .
Pests:
ZZ plant are generally pesterer - spare but may once in a while be bothered bymealybugs , scale , aphids , andspider mites . Good discourse for getting rid of these worm include washing the leave-taking with aninsecticidal soapand applyingorganic neem oil . ( See more oncommon houseplant pests . )
ZZ PLANT VARIETIES
' Raven ' ZZ plant foliage . exposure by : Premyslaw Zielinski / Shutterstock
ln addition to the classic ZZ plant , there are several slap-up cultivars worth essay out . If you ca n’t obtain them at a local garden center , many on-line nursery will bear them .
‘Raven'™:
‘Variegated’:
‘Zamicro’:
‘Zenzi’:
Another midget variety ( no taller than 15 inches ) with modest , slightly curled leaves .
