Zamioculcas

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

ZZ

Family: Araceae

Genus: Zamioculcas

Species: Zamiifolia

Cultivars: Normal, Raven, Chameleon, Albo.

Common names: ZZ

Difficulty: Low

Description: This common houseplant is common for a reason! It is one of the easiest plants to care for. It grows spikes of leaves from the soil. It is adaptable to almost any environment, and comes is several cultivars for some color varieties. The perfect first house plant!

Size: This plant is relatively slow growing but can get as big as you allow it. It grows by rhizomes in the soil that will spread out as long as you keep up potting. Typically getting 3 feet tall, some specimens have been seen up to 6 feet tall, although that plant was decades old.

Light: Low light tolerant, this plant can grow in most lighting conditions. It will grow faster in brighter light, though.  

Water: Very forgiving with drought. Water deeply when 100% soil is dry. It is prone to root rot, it is better to under water this plant than over water. 

Temperature: Ideal between 65-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 40 degrees. 

Humidity: Ambient home humidity is fine for this plant. It will not be bothered by dry air. 

Soil: A rich quick draining mix that doesn’t retain water too long is ideal. We use 2-parts coco coir, 2-parts sand, 2-parts perlite, 1-part bark. 

Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. If using grow lights, fertilize year-round. If using only natural light, fertilize from May to September. 

Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting. Water the plant in after transplant and immediately resume allowing to dry completely between waterings. 

Toxicity: ZZ plants are non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Mildly poisonous to all animals, symptoms are bleeding gums, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting. It is considered non-lethal. You should still consult a doctor or vet if ingested.   

Native to: Eastern Africa.

Companion Animals: This plant should not be used with herbivores. It can do well in arid terrariums for carnivores, like a Savannah Monitor. Keep in mind, this plant likes it DRY. So, try to only pair with reptiles that would not require regular misting.