ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
❦ ❧ ❦
Difficulty — BeginnerIf ever a plant could be accused of being unkillable, it is this one. The ZZ stands in glossy, upright fronds of deep green so polished they look freshly waxed, and beneath the soil she keeps plump rhizomes stocked with water against any drought a forgetful grower might inflict. She thrives on neglect, endures the dimmest corners, and asks, frankly, that you mostly leave her be.
Notes on Cultivation
☀Light
Remarkably adaptable — she takes bright, indirect light gladly and endures low light better than nearly any plant in my keeping. Only harsh direct sun troubles her.
❦Water
Here is the whole art of her: water sparingly. Let the soil dry out thoroughly, then water and let it dry again. Her rhizomes hoard moisture, so overwatering — not drought — is the one way to truly do her harm.
☁Humidity
Wholly unbothered by dry air. Average rooms, dry rooms — she takes them all in stride.
✵Temperature
Comfortable between 65 and 85 Fahrenheit. Keep her above 55 and away from cold draughts.
❧Soil
A well-draining mix — potting soil with generous perlite — guards against the wet feet she cannot abide.
❀Fertilizing
A light feeding once or twice through spring and summer is plenty; she is no glutton.
✿Propagation
She is patience made manifest. A leaf laid in moist Fluval Stratum — our signature method — will, in its own slow time, form a small rhizome and root, though this may take many months; the swifter route is to divide her rhizomes when repotting. Read the full field method.
Field Observations
A few yellowing lower leaves now and then are nothing to fear; constant yellowing, however, almost always means too much water — ease off, and she recovers.
She is mildly toxic if chewed, so site her thoughtfully where curious pets and children won't be tempted to sample her. Wipe her glossy leaves occasionally and she will shine like polished jade.
— faithfully recorded by Mr. Phileas Plant
