Tall, dark and handsome, the ZZ plant has become one of the most fashionable houseplants. Perhaps that's because it's an amazing plant, with glossy, finger-shaped leaves 3 to 5 inches long on upright branches that grow 2 to 3 feet tall. Or maybe it's because ZZ plants are so easy to care for that even novice gardeners can tackle them without worrying that the plants will die.
“This is a building factory that makes a statement, and it's that simple,” says Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, author of Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing and Caring for Indoor Plants. Whether you buy your plants online or in-store, you'll have no trouble mastering ZZ plant care. Native to East Africa, these tall indoor plants have potato-shaped rhizomes (enlarged roots) that store water and tolerate drought. Additionally, these low-maintenance indoor plants don't require a lot of light.
Botanical name Zamioculcas zamiifolia Height 2 to 3 feet Sun exposure Low to bright indirect light Soil type Well-drained potting mix Soil pH Neutral or slightly acidic (6 to 7) Toxicity Toxic to dogs and cats
Where to place the ZZ plant
ZZ plants grow in low to bright indirect light, such as found in east, west, or north facing windows. Although it cannot tolerate a complete lack of natural light, it does well when grown under bright fluorescent lighting, even in a windowless room.
Too much sun exposure is also a no-no. “Putting it in direct sunlight, such as by a south-facing window, can cause sunburn,” says Steinkopf.
The ideal temperature is between 65 degrees and 75 degrees. These low-light indoor plants are native to humid climates, so they need moisture in the air to thrive. Do not place near heaters or air conditioners that dry the air. Brown leaf tips may mean the environment is too dry (misting the leaves may help).
No matter where you place your ZZ plant, its glossy leaves tend to collect dust. Wipe it occasionally with a damp cloth to avoid dust. Not only does it look great, it also acts as an air purifying plant that helps detox your home.
Finally, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats, so it's best to display it somewhere your furry friend won't bite.
ZZ Plant Care
Knowing where to place your ZZ plant is a good start so you can keep it at the ideal temperature and get proper indoor plant lighting. However, there are other aspects of ZZ plant care that need to be considered, such as soil, water, and fertilizer needs.
Whether you're tending to your own greenery or your family's plants, here's what you should do to help them live longer.
soil
When it comes to soil type, drainage is most important. “ZZ plants require very well-drained soil,” says Steinkopf.
Make sure your ZZ plant's soil contains perlite, small white spheres that create air spaces and improve drainage. Soil should be neutral or slightly acidic (pH 6 or 7), and most potting soil mixtures are in this range.
These plants grow slowly, so it can take years to learn how to repot them.
water
To care for ZZ plants, all you need is a light touch with a watering can. ZZ rhizomes retain water, so overwatering can kill the plant. As part of a smart watering plan, wait until the top 3 inches of soil is dry before watering your plants. This usually happens about every two weeks.
Additionally, be sure to empty the saucer under the container. ZZ plants don't like being submerged in water, which can cause root rot. And stop watering in winter unless the plant continues to grow. “The mistake is not to overwater, but to underwater,” Steinkopf advises.
So how can you tell if you're giving your ZZ plant enough water? If the leaves are turning yellow, you may be overwatering. However, if the leaves are falling, it's probably due to a lack of water.
fertilizer
When caring for ZZ plants, don't use much fertilizer. “ZZ plants require less fertilizer because their rhizomes retain nutrients,” says Steinkopf. She recommends using an all-purpose indoor plant fertilizer at half strength once a month during the growing season and discontinuing in the winter.
For more information on how to properly care for your plants, download one of these plant care apps.
Types of ZZ plants
Chameleon ZZ Plant: This plant produces new leaves that emerge golden and then turn green, creating a multicolored effect. The color is most intense when the plant receives bright indirect light. Raven (also known as Dowon) ZZ Plant: This variety starts with bright green new leaves that turn black over 6 to 8 weeks. Changes occur in low, medium, or bright indirect light, but more new leaves appear in brighter light. Zenzi ZZ Plant: This is a dwarf variety with slightly curled 1-inch leaves. It grows slowly, reaching about 18 to 24 inches in height, and thrives under the same conditions as other His ZZ plants.
common pests
Overall, ZZ plants are pest-free, but that doesn't mean your plants are completely harmless. Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can sometimes plague ZZ plants. Both of them suck the sap from the leaves, so if left untreated, the plant may die.
“Mealybugs are fluffy white balls that look like lint,” Steinkopf says. Scale insects are about the size of a pinhead and cause scaly spots on leaves. Aphids are small green, brown, or black insects that are often found on the underside of leaves. Spider mites are hard to see, but they create webs on the leaves.
To get rid of these houseplant pests, wash the plant's leaves with insecticidal soap and apply neem oil to the leaves.
How to grow ZZ plants
Considering your plant is your new pet, you may want to extend your affection further than a single pot. Fortunately, propagating ZZ plants, that is, creating additional plants from cuttings of grown plants, is easy and can be done using one of three methods.
To make the stem: Cut a mature stem and stick it into about a half inch of water. Maintain the water level and wait for rhizomes to appear. Once you have a rhizome with a few small roots, you can plant the plant in potting soil. This is probably the quickest way to get new plants.
Leaf method: Cut a short leaf from the stem, stick it into potting soil and wait for roots to emerge. Keep watering the soil while you wait. Purdue University research shows that if you can keep the temperature between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, you have a better chance of success. This can be accomplished by placing the cuttings on a heating mat. An easier method is to place the leaves in about half an inch of water until rhizomes develop.
Rhizome method: Cut one or two segments of the plant that contain part of the rhizome. Replant the division. ZZ plants are slow growing, so it may take quite a while for two or three plants to regain growth.
When you fall in love with a new plant, trust ZZ's ease of plant care. You'll probably want to expand your indoor garden. Consider creating a lively wall, collecting small houseplants, or potting medicinal herbs that are cute and have a purpose.
source:
Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, author of Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing and Careing for Indoor Plants Bloomscape: “Why are the leaves of my ZZ plant yellow?” Petal Republic: “ZZ 7 Common Plant Pests (and How to Deal with Them)” Purdue University: “The ZZ Plant is an Easy-to-Use Indoor Choice.”
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