The ZZ plant, native to East Africa and South Africa, easily adapts to bright, dry, shaded natural environments and thrives in dry indoor conditions. The ZZ plant, one of the brightest members of the Araceae family, has the scientific name Zamioculcas zamiifolia and is also known as Zanzibar Gem, Eternity Palm, and Aroid Palm. This indoor tropical plant grows upwards with shiny, oval, dark green leaves and attractive stems, making it very popular among plant lovers for indoor growth due to its easy care. The ZZ plant stores water in its thick, succulent leaves and tuber-like rhizomes. In indoor environments, these plants can grow up to 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. These plants help purify indoor air by removing volatile organic compounds such as benzene through their roots. However, the ZZ plant is toxic to humans and pets, so keep the plants out of reach of pets when growing them indoors.
How to Grow ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant can be grown at home with the necessary nutrient supply and minimal care and maintenance. These plants thrive in bright indirect light, but they can also grow in a shaded location. The ZZ plant does not like excess water, so well-draining, slightly acidic soil is ideal for these plants. They grow well in low to moderate temperatures and humidity. You can add fertilizer during the growing season to supply nutrients and maintain normal growth. Below are the essential tips for growing ZZ plants at indoor:
Light & Location
The ZZ plant grows very slowly and can thrive in all types of light conditions. While it does best in bright, indirect sunlight, it can survive in limited natural light or even without any natural light. If your home has no direct sunlight at all, you can still grow a ZZ plant. Keep the plants away from direct sunlight, as the leaves can get damaged. Avoid placing the plants near east or west-facing windows, and instead, place them near north or south-facing windows or balconies, which are ideal locations for the ZZ plant.
Soil & Fertilizer
Rich and nutritious soil is a key component for plant growth. The ZZ plant does not like wet soil, so a well-draining soil mix is ideal. The best potting mix for a ZZ plant includes vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, and coco coir. Since ZZ plants dislike excess water, ensure the pot has good drainage holes and the potting soil provides efficient drainage. The plants thrive in soil with a pH of 6-7.
Although ZZ plants do not require frequent fertilization, applying fertilizer 1 to 2 times a year during the growing season can maintain optimal health and growth. Before applying fertilizer, thoroughly moisten the soil or use a water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive fertilizer can burn the roots and leaves.
Watering
ZZ plants are extremely drought-tolerant, meaning they store water, so they don’t need much water. Before watering, always check the soil of the plant. Insert your finger about 1 inch into the soil to see if it’s dry. If the soil is completely dry, then apply water. ZZ plants can withstand being neglected for a few months without water. Watering them once or twice a month is ideal for these plants. Avoid overwatering, as excess water can lead to root rot due to water accumulation in the soil and waterlogging. Make sure to use purified water at room temperature. Avoid using water containing chemicals or minerals that can harm the plant.
Temperature & Humidity
ZZ plants prefer slightly warmer temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature for these plants ranges between 65°F to 80°F, and temperatures below 45°F can cause damage to the plants. Extremely cold temperatures can lead to yellowing and dropping of leaves, as well as damage to the rhizomes and stems. Both cold and hot air can be harmful to ZZ plants, so it’s best to keep them away from air conditioners and heaters. Maintaining a stable and moderate temperature within the recommended range will promote healthy growth for ZZ plants and prevent issues such as leaf discoloration and damage.
ZZ plants thrive in humidity levels of 40%-50%. If you don’t have the necessary humidity control in your home, you can place a tray filled with water and small stones. Then, place the ZZ plant on top of the tray. Evaporation from the tray will increase the humidity around the plant. Additionally, you can increase humidity by regularly misting the plant’s leaves. Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity levels will promote healthy growth for ZZ plants and prevent issues such as yellowing leaves or leaf drop.
Pruning
ZZ plants grow very slowly and do not usually reach large sizes, so pruning them is not often necessary. However, if you notice damaged or yellowing leaves, you can remove them by pruning. You can use sharp scissors or pruners to trim away the affected areas. Additionally, if your plant is growing larger than desired, you can control its size by pruning. In this case, you can trim back the branches or stems without cutting the main roots. Make sure to prune the plant during the growing season and avoid pruning during the winter months.
Pests Control
ZZ plants are often less prone to pest infestations, but occasionally various pests can still affect them. Mealybugs, scale insects, fungus gnats, and aphids are common pests that can infest the leaves and stems of the plant, disrupting its normal growth. However, these pests can be easily managed by using some home remedies. Spraying with a strong stream of water, using insecticidal soap spray, applying neem oil, and rubbing alcohol can help eliminate these pests. Additionally, you can manually remove pests from the leaves and stems using your fingers or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Potting And Repotting ZZ Plants
After acquiring a ZZ plant from a nursery, select a well-draining pot with proper drainage holes to promote good drainage. Fill the chosen pot with a mix of well-draining soil and additives like vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, and coco coir. Carefully plant the ZZ plant in the pot, ensuring that it is stable. Once the plant is potted, add some fertilizer and water, then gently press the soil around the base of the plant. After potting the plant, relocate it to a bright, indirect light location.
Generally, ZZ plants need repotting every one to two years. When you notice that the roots or rhizomes are trying to escape the container, or when you realize that your plant needs a larger pot, it’s time to repot. Select a pot with good drainage holes according to the size and shape of the current plant. Add a well-draining mix of soil and potting mix to the chosen pot. Carefully transfer the plant along with its roots from the old pot to the new one, ensuring to handle it with care. Add some fertilizer and water to the new pot, then gently press the soil around the base of the plant. Repotting provides the plant with fresh soil and allows it to access more nutrients from the new soil, promoting its natural growth in a larger pot. Ensure to repot during the growing season and avoid repotting during the winter.
Types Of ZZ Plants
To facilitate the growth of ZZ plants at home, it’s important to provide necessary nutrients and maintain minimal care and attention. Among the various species of ZZ plants, several are particularly popular for indoor gardening due to their distinct sizes, shapes, growth patterns, and characteristics. Some popular varieties of ZZ plants for home cultivation include Raven ZZ, Chameleon ZZ, Zamicro ZZ, and Variegated ZZ. Let’s discuss some of these popular varieties ideal for home growth:
Raven ZZ Plant
The Raven ZZ plant is known for its dark purple or nearly black foliage. The leaves of this plant start as bright green when they are young and gradually turn into a deep purple-maroon color, making it highly attractive and popular among gardeners. Previously very rare, the Raven ZZ plant has gained popularity due to its beauty and ease of care and maintenance, and it is now available in most nurseries and plant shops. These plants typically grow to about 2-3 feet in height and width. With well-draining soil, potting mix, indirect sunlight, moderate to warm temperatures, and humidity, and minimal maintenance, these plants can easily be grown indoors.
Chameleon ZZ Plant
Chameleon ZZ plants can be grown at home with minimal maintenance and are known for their bright beauty. The leaves of these plants are initially a bright golden yellow and gradually turn dark green. These plants can grow up to five feet tall. They thrive in low to medium light, temperature, and humidity conditions, and can tolerate irregular watering. With the necessary nutrients and minimal care, this plant can be grown at home to create an attractive look.
Dwarf Zamicro ZZ Plant
Dwarf Zamicro is a compact variety of ZZ plant that grows slowly. The leaves of these plants are green and smaller in size, and the plants themselves typically reach a length of 12 to 15 inches. Dwarf Zamicro plants produce small red-white flowers that add a touch of color to indoor spaces. These plants are ideal for decorating any home or office environment. With good draining soil and potting mix, moderate light and temperature, occasional watering, and minimal care, these plants can easily thrive indoors.
Variegated ZZ Plant
Variegated ZZ plants are at the top of the list for beauty enthusiasts and gardeners due to their combination of yellow, white, and green foliage. Their leaves and stems help in purifying indoor air. These plants grow very slowly and maintain a height of about 1-2 feet and a spread of about 1 foot. With well-draining soil and potting mix, minimum light, moderate temperatures, and humidity, along with occasional watering and minimal maintenance, these plants can thrive indoors.
Common Problems With ZZ Plant
Lazy Growth: One of the main problems with lazy growth in ZZ plants is the lack of necessary sunlight. Without at least two hours of bright indirect sunlight, ZZ plants may experience stunted growth and very slow development. To address this issue, ensure bright indirect sunlight is provided for the plants, and during the growing season, they may benefit from occasional fertilization with a mild fertilizer.
Yellow Leaves: Another common issue with ZZ plants is yellow leaves, often caused by overwatering. Excess water can lead to root rot and yellowing of the leaves. Before watering, check the moisture level of the soil by inserting a finger about an inch deep into the soil. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Additionally, consider using pots with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix to facilitate proper drainage and prevent waterlogging.
