The ZZ plant is one of the easiest houseplants to own for a reason: it holds up well in low light, requires minimal watering, and looks good in almost any corner of the house.
Most of us recognize its signature glossy green leaves, but did you know there are several different types of ZZ plants out there just waiting to be discovered?
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 12 types of ZZ plants you can grow at home, along with simple care tips for each.
For an in-depth look at placing your ZZ in ideal light conditions, explore our ZZ Plant Care Guide.
What are the Types of ZZ Plants?
These are the different types of ZZ plants currently available:
1. Classic ZZ Plant (Green Variety)
The classic ZZ Plant is the original and most popular variety. It's easy to recognize by its:
- Deep green
- Shiny leaves
- Thick and slightly swollen stems.
New leaves start out a light green and gradually mature into a rich emerald color.
Best Placement: Ideal for low-light areas, such as entryways, bedrooms, or office corners.
Buying Tip: Great for beginners or anyone looking for a plant that thrives with minimal attention.
2. ZZ Raven
The ZZ Raven stands out with its dark leaves. You can spot it easily by its:
- Dark purple or almost black leaves
- Shiny surface
- Upright stems
New leaves start bright green and slowly turn dark purple-black
Best Placement: Looks great in living rooms, shelves, or any space with low to medium light.
Buying Tip: A great pick if you want a cool-looking plant that’s easy to care for. Just don’t water too often. Let the soil dry out first.
You can also explore other easy-care indoor plants that help purify the air for a healthier, low-maintenance space.
3. ZZ Zenzi
ZZ Zenzi is a smaller, more compact version of the regular ZZ Plant. Its dark green leaves curl tightly and grow close together. This gives the plant a dense and bushy look.
Best Placement: Zenzi is a fantastic fit for desks, shelves, or compact areas if you believe the normal ZZ is overly large for you.
Buying Tip: Look for a ZZ Zenzi plant with firm, dark green leaves that curl slightly at the edges. Zenzi likes tight pots and doesn’t need much water.
4. ZZ Variegated
Variegated ZZ plants are highly regarded for their color combo. Indoors, they help clean the air through their sturdy stems and thick leaves.
Variegated ZZ has 2 further types:
- White Variegated ZZ: The leaves of this variety have white or creamy-white patches and have some contrasts.
- Golden Variegated ZZ: You can find this variety with yellow or golden hues on the leaves. Over time, they may fade to light green.
Best Placement: Place it where it gets indirect light. It can be near a north or east-facing window.
If you're unsure what “indirect” actually means, check out our indoor light placement guide to position your plant for healthy color retention.
Buying Tip: Avoid ZZ Variegated plants that look mostly green or have brown edges. That means they're not getting enough light or are a bit weak.
5. ZZ Zamicro
The Zamicro ZZ Plant has small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green, dense, and sparkling. Like other ZZ plants, their leaves grow from strong, thick stems, but they stay much smaller.
Best Placement: Works best for small offices or apartments because it's small and easy to move around.
Buying Tip: Always check that roots aren’t crowded in the drainage holes and the pot isn’t too large.
6. ZZ Supernova
ZZ Supernova is a ZZ plant with dark leaves. The fresh leaves start off bright green and then change to deep green or almost black. It doesn't need much care and grows well in low light.
Best Placement: ZZ Supernova is a wonderful choice for workspaces with north or east-facing windows.
Buying Tip: Pick a plant with firm stalks and new leaves that start green.
7. ZZ Jungle Warrior
ZZ Jungle Warrior is a plant that grows slowly and is easy to care for. This is a newer kind with dark green leaves that are sturdy and shimmering. As they become older, they turn a deep purple-black.
The oval-shaped leaves stay shiny and attractive all year long.
Best Placement: Great for hallways, living rooms, or offices. Anywhere, as long as no direct sun hits its leaves.
Buying Tip: Choose a plant with shiny dark-green to almost black leaves.
8. ZZ Akebono
The ZZ Akebono plant is a unique form of ZZ plant. Golden-toned leaves characterize it. Its name comes from the soft colours of the sky in the early morning. This ZZ variety isn't as popular as others. Its beautiful leaves make it stand out in any indoor plant collection.
Best Placement: Great for shelves, windowsills, well-lit bathrooms or under grow lights.
Buying Tip: Choose a plant with creamy or pale-yellow patches on firm leaves.
9. ZZ Chameleon
ZZ Chameleon is a relatively rare type of plant with leaves that change colour. New growth starts out as a bright golden yellow colour and then slowly turns into a dense green colour. This makes a stunning contrast on the same plant. This two-tone look sets it apart from other varieties of ZZ.
Best Placement: Place ZZ Chameleon on a desk or countertop near a window.
Buying Tip: Pick a plant with new growth in bright yellow-green transitioning into darker green leaves.
10. ZZ Lucky
ZZ Lucky is a better variant of the classic ZZ plant. Its leaf tips are softer and more rounded, and it grows in a cleaner, more upright way. It has a softer, more elegant look than bolder types like Raven or Chameleon, yet it is just as tough and easy to care for.
Best Placement: ZZ Lucky plant does well in low-light areas, so it's great for adding soft green to dark areas of your home or office.
Buying Tip: Pick a plant with big, round, dark green leaves and firm stems.
11. ZZ Zamicro Black
ZZ Zamicro is a smaller size variant of the standard ZZ Plant that works well in small places. It has smaller leaves and branches. This is why it looks fuller and bushier while being under 2 feet tall.
Best Placement: Great for tight spots like bookshelves, desktops, windowsills, or bathroom counters.
Buying Tip: Avoid any ZZ Zamicro plant with soft stalks or yellowing leaves
How to Tell Different Types of ZZ Plant Apart
This is a basic tutorial to help you tell them apart.
| ZZ Plant Type | Leaf Shape & Size | Growth Pattern | Leaf Color (New vs Mature) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic ZZ | Oval, medium-sized, thick, glossy | Upright, arching stems | Light green → deep emerald |
| ZZ Raven | Classic shape, slightly pointed | Upright, sleek | Bright green → jet black |
| ZZ Zenzi | Small, tightly curled foliage | Compact, bushy | Deep green (little change) |
| ZZ Variegated | Oval with cream/yellow patches | Upright, slower | Variegated → mixed greens |
| Gold Variegated | Classic, golden striping | Upright, classic-like | Bright gold → greenish yellow |
| ZZ Zamicro | Smallest leaves, compact | Very short, tight | Uniform deep green |
| ZZ Supernova | Classic, sharper tips | Upright, structured | Bright green → dark green/black |
| ZZ Jungle Warrior | Oval, thick, strong | Slow, upright | Dark green → purple-black |
| ZZ Akebono | Oval, mottled gold patches | Classic structure | Gold mottled → light green |
| ZZ Chameleon | Oval, smooth | Upright | Bright yellow → rich green |
| ZZ Lucky | Rounded tips, glossy | Clean, upright | Consistent deep green |
| ZZ Zamicro Black | Small, dark leaves | Bushy, short | Uniform dark green |
Care Guide for All Types of ZZ Plants
Here's how to keep your ZZ plant happy and healthy:
Best Light Conditions
ZZ Plants can grow in almost any kind of light, from dark corners to sunny spaces with indirect sunshine. They do well even under artificial light, which makes them great for offices. Just don't let them get too much sun, because it can burn their leaves.
For help finding the right spot, explore our lighting guide for indoor plants, which breaks down light types and how they affect growth.
When and How to Water
ZZs are most likely to die from too much water. Their dense rhizomes hold water, so wait until the soil is absolutely dry before watering.
Learn to spot early signs of overwatering and moisture issues and adjust your routine before damage sets in.
Humidity Needs
ZZ Plants don't need extra moisture. Don't let the humidity become too high or the mist get too thick, as this could cause decay.
Trimming
Regularly trimming your ZZ Plant will help remove any fading or damaged leaves. For step-by-step advice, see our detailed Trimming Guide for ZZ Plants.
Feeding Tips
They don't need a lot of fertilizer because they grow slowly. You only need to feed your houseplants once a month in the spring and summer using a diluted all-purpose plant food. You don't need to feed in the fall or winter.
Check our indoor plant fertilizer buying guide to choose a gentle formula and apply it safely.
Common Problems With ZZ Plants
- Yellow Leaves: Leaves turn yellow when the plant gets too much water. Let the soil dry fully before watering again.
- Drooping Stems: Stems may droop if the plant gets too much water or not enough light. Check both to fix the problem.
- Brown Tips: Tips turn brown from dry air or uneven watering. Cut them off if needed.
- Slow Growth: Slow growth is normal in winter or low light. In summer, move the plant to a brighter spot.
- Root Rot: Root rot starts when the soil stays wet too long. Use a pot that drains well and water less often.
For troubleshooting tips, refer to our ZZ Plant Too Tall & Common Issues guide, which covers yellow leaves, drooping stems, and repotting solutions.
Bottom Line
ZZ Plants are the best choice for those who want to design their homes and workspaces as minimally as possible. The most common varieties include Classic Green ZZ, ZZ Raven, ZZ Zenzi, Variegated ZZ, and ZZ Zamicro.
The best thing about this plant is that it requires minimal or no care, but don’t forget about the pot and soil. Use a well-drained pot with dry or succulent soil.
For an ideal setup, follow our perfect soil for succulent plants guide and mix a blend that drains fast and keeps roots healthy.
Want a second opinion? Green Scape is happy to guide you. Contact us here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Raven ZZ plants so expensive?
Raven ZZ plants are more expensive due to their black and unique foliage, and they aren't always readily available. Plus, they have a slow propagation rate, which makes them hard to find commonly.
Are ZZ plants pet-friendly?
No, ZZ plants are not pet-friendly. They are toxic to cats and dogs. On top of that, this variety can cause irritation to the skin or mouth. Therefore, don’t let your kids or pets roam around these plants.
If you’re looking for safer options, explore our collection of pet-friendly indoor plants that are non-toxic and safe to keep around children and animals.
Can a ZZ plant get too much light?
Yes, ZZ plants can have too much sunlight. They have the ability to handle low-light conditions. However, direct sunlight can hurt them, causing sunburned leaves. These plants do best in indirect light or even low-light conditions.
Is the ZZ plant a good gift?
Yes, the ZZ plant is a great gift. Many people believe that it brings good luck and good energy. This makes it a good gift for housewarmings or other big life events.