How to Care for a ZZ Plant
- 1. Provide ZZ plants with bright indirect light. ...
- 2. Use a loose potting mix in a container with drainage holes. ...
- 3. Let the soil dry out between waterings. ...
- 4. Use a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants. ...
- 5. Maintain average temperature and humidity levels. ...
- 6. Re-pot ZZ plants every spring. ...
- 7. Monitor for aphid infestations. ...
How best to grow and care for your ZZ plant?
ZZ Plant Care
- Light. ZZ plants are tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions, which makes them well-suited to indoor growing.
- Soil. ZZ plants are not overly picky about their potting medium as long as it is well-draining. ...
- Water. ...
- Temperature and Humidity. ...
- Fertilizer. ...
How much light do ZZ plants need?
ZZ plants need at least 8-10 hours of good lighting every day. Although the plant will not compliant even if the lighting needs vary a little. It is ideal to provide that much light to them for ideal growth.
Why does my ZZ plant have yellow leaves?
- Overwatering is the most common cause of yellow leaves, so check this first.
- Look for other signs of overwatering – Early signs include leaf yellowing and edema. ...
- ZZ plant leaves will scorch and turn yellow/brown in excess light. ...
- Irregular yellow spots on your ZZ plant are quite often caused by pests, as they feed on the foliage. ...
Does the ZZ plant cause cancer?
ZZ plants are toxic if eaten, but they do not cause cancer. As long as you do not ingest them and wear gloves when handling (or wash your hands after), they are safe. Learn more about ZZ plant toxicity here
Where should I place my ZZ plant?
ZZ plants grow best in lots of indirect light (direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch), and thrive under the fluorescent lights of offices and commercial buildings. In zones 10 to 12, ZZ plants can be grown outside in areas with filtered light and well-draining soil.
How do I know if my ZZ plant is happy?
A healthy ZZ should have near-flawless, uniform leaves, so if you notice some of them look scalded or burned, something is up. Why is it Happening? TOO MUCH LIGHT: The most likely reason you might be seeing leaf burn is excessive sunlight. Like I mentioned above, ZZ Plants prefer indirect light.
Do ZZ plants need to be misted?
Generally speaking, thinner leaves are an indication a plant will need extra humidity. But be careful not to mist succulents or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, affectionately known as the ZZ plant, as they are quick to rot from excess moisture.
How much sun does a ZZ plant need?
ZZ plants do best in bright to moderate, indirect light, but will do fine in extremely low levels of light. This plant makes an ideal plant for a window-less office or bathroom where it will only receive small amounts of fluorescent light.
Are ZZ plants easy to keep alive?
ZZ plants are known for being low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for houseplants that even gardeners with the blackest thumbs can keep alive with minimum care. All zz plants need is adequate light and a good watering every couple of weeks.
Is it OK to touch ZZ plant?
ZZ Plant. The drought-tolerant ZZ plant makes a wonderful addition to low-light situations in homes and offices, but all parts of this plant are poisonous. Keep it away from children and pets, and wash your hands or wear gloves if you need to handle it.
What is the lifespan of a ZZ plant?
Their waxy, smooth, glossy, and dark green leaves grow on stems that are thickened at the bottom. Their leaves' lifespan is estimated to at least six months and their roots can store a high amount of water. As a result, Zanzibar Gem plants can survive for four months without bright light and water.
How do I get my ZZ plant to grow more leaves?
The best way to make a ZZ plant bushy is to provide plenty of light and to meet its basic care conditions. Your ZZ plant will become bushy by producing lots of new stems, and providing good conditions will maximize the number and size of these stems.
How do I know if my ZZ plant needs water?
Water your ZZ Plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Signs that it is thirsty include wilting, wrinkled leaves, and dry potting mix, while wet mix or yellowing and mushy leaves signal overwatering and root rot.
How long can ZZ plant go without water?
The amount of time a ZZ plant can go without water varies depending on the size and type of pot, the type of soil, the humidity level of the room, and the time of year. In general, most ZZ plants can go about 2-3 weeks without water.
Do ZZ plants like coffee grounds?
As you can see, your ZZ Plant will absolutely tolerate you utilizing coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer, if done correctly.
How often do ZZ plants grow new leaves?
It typically takes this species a few years to reach its mature height of 2 to 4 feet, but especially healthy ZZ plants may grow 6 inches per month or more during spring and summer.
How do I know if my ZZ plant needs more light?
The clearest sign that your ZZ Plant isn't getting enough light is that you'll start noticing all the stems are leaning towards the nearest window. Many plants reorient their stems to lean towards a light source in an effort to capture more sunlight.
Can ZZ plant be kept in bedroom?
air purifying The study showed that this plant is effective at removing volatile organic compounds such as; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. This aspect of the ZZ Plant makes it a good candidate for bedrooms and offices!
How big do ZZ plants get?
The plant's growth rate will depend on how much light and water it receives. In indoor settings, it is often a slow grower but in time can reach three to four feet tall and three feet wide. It's important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
How poisonous is ZZ plant?
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are poisonous. If chewed or swallowed symptoms can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Contact dermatitis may also occur in sensitive individuals.
What are ZZ plants good for?
Air Purifying Properties According to the studies by NASA, the ZZ plant is efficient in removing harmful contaminants such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene and carbon dioxide from the air. This aspect gives this plant an upper hand and a good place in bedrooms/offices.
What does ZZ plant symbolize?
ZZ Plant (Fortune Tree) According to Feng Shui theory, plant represents "steady" and "growing". People normally like to place one or two kinds of plants in the office or home and wish for good fortune. The ZZ plant (Fortune Tree) is thought to bring good fortune and luck with its significant thick, textured leaves.
Can I water my ZZ plant with ice cubes?
According to Reader's Digest, all it takes is placing two large ice cubes at the base of your plant once a week to keep them happy and hydrated. This way the plant gets to suck up all that H2O slowly, but surely. Moreover, this will also help stave off any messy watering overflow that may occur.
Do ZZ plants attract bugs?
ZZ plants are generally pest-free but may occasionally be bothered by mealybugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites. Good treatments for getting rid of these insects include washing the leaves with an insecticidal soap and applying organic neem oil.
How do you make a ZZ plant dark green?
Fertilize Regularly Ideally, you should aim to fertilize it every 3 to 6 months. Of course, this would change depending on the size of the ZZ plant. You should also choose nitrogen-based fertilizers for the plant. The nitrogen will boost foliage, which will ensure the new leaves have a dark green color.
How do you tell if ZZ plant is overwatered?
Overwatering results in mushy brown stalks and yellowing of the leaves. Dropping leaves can also be an indication of overwatering. Hold off on watering and prune your plant. Once the soil is completely dry all the way through the pot then your plant is ready for a drink.
How do I know when to repot my ZZ plant?
ZZ plants should be repotted every other year during the spring or summer growing season. This allows the plant to become established in its new container before entering a period of dormancy over the winter. For best results, opt for a ceramic planter with ample drainage.
How often do ZZ plants flower?
The plants will flower and the time for flowering is usually in mid-summer to early autumn. The flowers are small and tend to vary in color from bright yellow to brown or bronze. The flowers are usually hidden among the bases of the leaves and are usually not considered particularly attractive.
How much sunlight does a ZZ plant need?
ZZ plants thrive in darker places in your house. So you can put them in a room that doesn't get a lot of natural light. Keep these plants out of br...
How much do you water a ZZ plant?
You should water the ZZ plant about once per month. The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia stores a lot of moisture in its stems and is very sensitive to overw...
Do you need to fertilize a ZZ plant?
You can fertilize a ZZ plant to help it grow more quickly in the spring. However, you don't need to fertilize these plants as they're very slow gro...
What to do if ZZ plant starts to grow a new stem?
If your ZZ plant starts to grow a new stem, like in the photo below, it's important to move it to a brighter spot temporarily.
How to propagate a ZZ plant?
Propagation is the process of creating more plants from a single plant. It's by far the easiest way to get more plants in your collection. There are multiple ways of propagating a ZZ plant: 1 Propagation by division 2 Leaf propagation
What happens if you don't water your ZZ plant?
If you haven't watered your ZZ plant for at least a month, it's probably thirsty and watering will resolve the wrinkles. If you've recently watered your ZZ plant, it has probably been overwatered and you should drain the excess water and let the soil dry completely.
Why are my ZZ plants turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on a ZZ plant. When you overwater your plant, the leaves on your ZZ plant will turn yellow, the stem will become wrinkled, and turn brown. The ZZ plant is very sensitive to overwatering and when it does happen, the weaker stems will die. This is why it's best to water your ZZ plant a maximum of once per month.
What is a ZZ plant?
Conclusion. The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, or more commonly known as ZZ plant, is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for low-light places. You can keep these in darker places of your house or in an office and you won't have to worry about giving it too little attention. The ZZ plant thrives when you forget about it.
What type of soil should I use for a ZZ plant?
The ZZ plant will store most of the moisture it needs in its bulb and stem and it doesn't rely on the soil to keep it hydrated. A succulent or cacti soil mix is perfect for the ZZ plant.
How to make a ZZ plant grow straight?
You can help your ZZ plant to grow straight by rotating it 90 degrees every week. This way, you'll make sure your ZZ plant grows straight. This is only necessary when a new stem is growing.
What to do if your ZZ plant is dropping leaves?
If your zz is dropping its leaves or looking shriveled, get that baby some water ASAP. In addition to a traditional zz plant, look for a raven zz (the black-purple plant on the left) or zenzi zz (the smaller dwarf variety on the right).
How to kill a zz plant?
If there is a decent amount of soil sticking to your finger though, wait awhile longer! Again, the fastest way to kill a zz is to overwater it, so if you aren’t sure if your plant needs water or not, it can’t hurt to wait a few more days and check again.
What is the best plant to start with?
At the top of every list of “best plants for beginners” or “plants that nobody can kill” is zamioculcas zamiifolia, or the zz plant. Also known by the common name zanzibar gem, this plant is known for its ability to survive in low light conditions where most other plants would wither and die.
Where is Zamioculcas zamiifolia native to?
It is native to the grasslands and forests of eastern Africa, where it is prone to long periods of droughts.
What is a Z plant?
The zamioculcas zamiifolia is a succulent that can handle pretty low light. This makes the zz plant a perfect candidate for offices, windows that get a lot of shade from trees or deep overhangs, or any room that could use a little bit of life.
Why is ZZ a good plant?
Because of this, the zz plant can retain a lot of water in its rhizomes and thick upright stems. Glossy, almost waxy-looking leaflets grow along the stems. A zz is a popular choice for offices and other low light locations because of its ability to thrive in everything but direct sunlight.
What is the color of the zz plant?
But there are two other varieties of zz plants that we recommend you look for, too: Raven zz. These look just like the classic zz, but with one exception: the raven zz plant leaves are a deep purple that is so dark, it is almost black. Zenzi zz.
How much sunlight does a ZZ Plant need?
Though it can tolerate lower indirect light, the ZZ thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It will be happy with a minimum of six hours per day and can tolerate up to 12 during the warmer months.
How often should you water a ZZ Plant?
Water your ZZ Plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Signs that it is thirsty include wilting, wrinkled leaves, and dry potting mix, while wet mix or yellowing and mushy leaves signal overwatering and root rot.
Do ZZ Plant need humidity?
It is not important to account for humidity levels when caring for a ZZ, which can handle average home humidity and even somewhat dry air. If you would like to recreate the humidity levels it would experience in its native climate, though, aim for 40-50% humidity.
What temperature does a ZZ Plant prefer?
Most houseplants prefer temperatures in the 65°F-85°F range (18°C-30°C). It’s best not to let them get much lower than that: We recommend 60°F (15°C) as a baseline.
How big does a ZZ Plant get?
Grown indoors, ZZ Plants can grow up to two or three feet (.6-.9 meters) tall and wide, sometimes more. The plant is a slow grower and usually takes three to five years to grow to this size, though some grow faster and gain six or so inches per season.
Are ZZ Plant easy to care for?
The ZZ Plant is a low-maintenance houseplant. There is not much you will need to take into account, aside from the water and light levels into account; that said, fertilizing every six months, or even monthly in the growing season, will provide additional nourishment.
Are ZZ Plant safe for pets?
The ZZ Plant is not a pet-friendly plant, it can be irritating to cats, dogs, and humans if foliage is consumed. The best practice is always to keep houseplants out of reach of small children and pets.
How to keep ZZ plants from scorching?
To prevent scorched leaves, avoid placing ZZ plants in direct sunlight. Use a loose potting mix in a container with drainage holes. A high-quality standard potting mix should be sufficient for a ZZ plant as long it has good drainage.
How to propagate ZZ plants?
You can propagate ZZ plants through division or with leaf cuttings. To propagate by division, wait until you need to re-pot your ZZ plant. Once you’ve removed the plant from its pot, simply split the rhizome root system into two portions, and plant each in its own container.
What Is the ZZ Plant?
The ZZ plant is a perennial tropical plant native to eastern Africa. Its moniker derives from its botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, and you may also know it as Zansibar gem or aroid palm. The ZZ plant is a common ornamental houseplant with waxy, oval-shaped dark green leaves. ZZ plants are extremely drought-tolerant due to their rhizomes, which are underground plant stems that not only grow roots and shoots but also store water and beneficial nutrients.
What causes yellow spots on ZZ plant?
Aphids cause ZZ plant leaves to form yellow spots covered in a sticky substance. To rid your plant of aphids, spray them away with a strong spray from a garden hose, and cut off any diseased leaves. Avoid using leaf shine product.
Why are ZZ plants drought tolerant?
ZZ plants are extremely drought-tolerant due to their rhizomes, which are underground plant stems that not only grow roots and shoots but also store water and beneficial nutrients.
Is ZZ plant oxalate toxic?
ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate, which is toxic when ingested and may cause painful intestinal issues. Those with sensitive skin may also experience skin irritation from touching ZZ plant leaves, so be careful when handling, and wash your hands after making any contact with your plant’s leaves. Ron Finley Teaches Gardening.
Can you use leaf shine on a ZZ plant?
It may be tempting to use a leaf shine product to give your ZZ plant extra-shiny leaves, but leaf shine will clog your ZZ plant's pores (called stomata) and prevent them from absorbing oxygen. Keep ZZ plants out of reach of children and pets.
How to grow ZZ in a garden?
To provide optimal growing conditions, plant ZZ in well-drained soil, place it where it gets a bit of natural light (it also grows well under fluorescent lights) and water it when the top couple of inches of soil dries out. In fact, too much water can cause the leaves to begin to turn yellow, which may indicate that the rhizome is rotting. Feed ZZ with a regular houseplant fertilizer a couple of times a year.
How to propagate a ZZ plant?
When ZZ outgrows its pot or is large enough to divide, it’s an easy task. Lift the plant out of its pot, carefully separate the rhizomes and replant into clean pots with new potting mix. You can also grow new ZZs from cuttings.
What is a ZZ plant?
Have you tried bringing home a ZZ plant? ZZ — shorthand for the plant’s tongue-tangling botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia — may be the solution for anyone who wishes they could grow something — anything — without much attention and hassle, and better still if it can thrive on neglect.
Why are my ZZ plant's leaves turning yellow?
Zamioculcas (ZZ Plant) Problem: Lower leaves turn yellow and drop. Solution: Several issues can cause foliage to turn yellow and fall off. First, be sure you’re not overwatering or underwatering. To check for signs of overwatering, gently ease the plant out of its pot and look for rotting or blackened roots.
What is a good plant for a mother in law's tongue?
In a decorative setting with other houseplants, ZZ of any size or shade pairs well with tall, strappy snake plant ( Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue), another high-impact, low-maintenance favorite.
How tall do ZZ plants grow?
It’s a slow-growing plant, bearing waxy, oval, dark green leaves on graceful stems that can reach two to three feet in height. It’s attractive in any room setting, but it tolerates a lot of less-than-perfect conditions.
Where does ZZ grow?
It grows from a bulbous rhizome, which is where it stores the water it needs to survive its harsh environment.
How cold can a ZZ plant survive?
This plant is very adaptable, and will survive in temperatures from 55-85℉. They can even handle colder temperatures, but they should never be exposed to freezing cold air! ZZ Plants will be just fine no matter what you keep your thermostat set to!
How tall does a ZZ plant grow?
ZZ Plants are known to be slow growers, but in the right conditions, ample light and warm temperatures, they can grow faster! They generally reach about 3' in height but will spread our horizontally if given the space. ZZ Zenzi is a slow grower in comparison to the standard zamiifolia, making it the perfect office desk companion!
How to tell if a Zamioculus plant is deprived of humidity?
Ideal levels are above 50%, but even if you have lower humidity, depending on where you live, they will most likely adapt! A sign of an indoor plant that is deprived of humidity is that the plant will start to develop brown edges on its leaves. You can always increase the humidity in your home with a humidifier or place your plants on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Consider this an opportunity to create a little plant styling moment for your ZZ Plant!
Can a bamboo plant survive in low light?
It is drought tolerant, can handle dry air, and will be happy in low-light conditions. If given bright indirect light, it will shoot out new growth like emerging bamboo shoots more often. Like a succulent, the thick stems and bulbous roots store water, making it the perfect houseplant for the traveler or workaholic.
Can Zamioculcus zamiifolia live in direct sunlight?
The Zamioculcus zamiifolia can live in low to bright indirect light, but the brighter the indirect light, the better as more light encourages faster growth producing a healthier plant. If ZZ Plants are grown in light deprived spaces, they often become leggy and loss their deep, emerald green color. Conversely, setting this hardy houseplant in direct sunlight, without properly acclimating will cause the leaves to become sun-scorched or bleached out. You can grow ZZ Plants in full sun, but you must either grow them there from very young plants, or gradually introduce them to this environment over a period of weeks.
How to restore shine to ZZ plants?
Never clean the leaves of a ZZ plant with a commercial leaf shine as it will clog the pores of the plant! Instead, gently wipe away dust and debris with a damp washcloth to restore its shine.
How cold can a ZZ plant get?
ZZ plants typically do not tolerate cold temperatures well (no lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit), so avoid placing your plant in a location close to drafts or particularly cold areas of your home. ZZ plants don't require humid conditions, but if your home runs on the dry side, consider increasing the humidity around your plant by purchasing a humidifier or placing it on top of a water tray.
What is a ZZ plant?
The ZZ plant is a low-maintenance houseplant characterized by its shiny, wide, and oval-shaped leaves that shoot upward. The spotless leaves are waxy and so deep green that sometimes the plant is mistaken as artificial. It's a slow-growing plant so you won't need to repot often. Botanical Name.
Why are my Zanzibar gems dropping?
The one common problem you may have with a Zanzibar gem is how much water the plant is actually receiving. If the leaves are dropping, the plant is extremely dry and in need of water. If the leaves are yellowing and dropping at the same time, it usually means the plant is getting too much water. If the top 3 inches (roughly the length of your finger) of soil are dry, the plant is ready for water.
How long does it take for a ZZ plant to grow?
Alternatively, ZZ plants can also be propagated by leaf cuttings. This method takes longer than propagation by division and you may need to wait six to nine months before any new rhizomes begin to grow. Take a cutting from a mature ZZ plant that has at least two leaves and a portion of the stem.
Why are ZZ plants considered heirlooms?
Since it's tough as nails, it's a long-lasting plant. ZZ plants are also called heirloom plants because they can be passed from generation to generation.
Where to place cuttings in a container?
Place the container with the cutting in a warm spot that receives bright (but not direct) light throughout the day.
How to Grow & Take Care of ZZ Plant – An Easy To Follow Guide
If you are a well-informed planter or just a plant enthusiast in general, you may already know about ZZ Plants. These unique plants, just like their name, make for one of the most easy-to-care-for indoor homegrown plants.
All about ZZ Plants
ZZ Plants are also known as eternity plants or commonly referred to as Zanzibar gems. However, their botanical name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia which is shortened to give them their most popular name, i.e., ZZ plants.
Growing ZZ Plants
We know you have been searching on the internet for a while now, looking for ways to grow the ever beloved ZZ plants. However, some of the top-most results are misleading and don’t talk about “growing” ZZ plants at all.
Caring for ZZ Plants
Once you have worked your way into propagating the plant by using any of the methods, it comes down to how you care for the propagated plant. However, this amazingly low-maintenance plant needs less to almost no regular steps for growing. Given the time of planting, it will take a few months for rhizomes to grow.
Top 7 Tips for Growth & Care of ZZ Plants
Now that you are well aware of what goes into growing and taking care of ZZ plants, we believe some care tips can go a long way in helping you sustain a healthy ZZ plant in your home without any need to do much and simply the bare minimum. Hence, we have compiled a list of some of the easiest-to-follow care tips to help you out.
Wrap Up
To sum it up, even if you have just started out by building a home garden or sprucing up your home interiors with some natural greens – the ZZ plant is your best friend. With occasional watering needs and almost no demand, this low-maintenance plant shall give you no worries or regrets.
How to propagate ZZ plants?
ZZ plants can be propagated three ways: 1 Division: Divide the rhizomes into clumps having at least one leaf stalk and replant the divisions in new pots filled with fresh soil. A good time to do this is when you are repotting. 2 Leaf cuttings: When taking leaf cuttings, leave a bit of the stem attached and insert the stems directly in moist potting soil. Place them in a warm, brightly lit area and water occasionally. The cuttings will begin to form roots after several months’ time. A good time to do this is when pruning or shaping your ZZ plant. 3 Leaf stalk: A faster propagation method is to cut off an entire leaf stalk at the base and place it in water until roots form.
How many ways can ZZ plants be propagated?
ZZ plants can be propagated three ways:
Why is my plant leaning to one side?
Plant is leaning to one side: Overwatering is the most common cause, resulting in waterlogged roots that can no longer provide good support. Your plant may also be seeking more light. Try moving it closer to a window or grow under fluorescent lighting or LED grow lights.
How to remove stalks from a sage plant?
If your plant is overgrown, you can remove entire stalks by cutting them away at the base with a sharp knife or pruning scissors. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid skin contact.
How to keep leaves shiny?
To keep the foliage nice and shiny, clean with a damp cloth as needed to remove dust. Misting the leaves occasionally will also reduce dust buildup. Keeping your plant dust-free is good for its health too, because the leaves will be able take in more sunlight.
What is a ZZ plant?
The flowers are small and usually hidden under the base of the leaves.
How to propagate a leaf stalk?
Leaf stalk: A faster propagation method is to cut off an entire leaf stalk at the base and place it in water until roots form.
