ZZ Plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a hardy and low-maintenance houseplant celebrated for its glossy, dark green leaves and ability to thrive in various light conditions. Its striking appearance and resilience make it a favorite for homes and offices, offering a modern touch with minimal effort.
Common Names
- ZZ Plant
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Aroid Palm
- Zanzibar Gem
Botanical Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Zamioculcas
- Species: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Native Habitat
The ZZ Plant is native to Eastern Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya. It thrives in dry forests and rocky grasslands, making it highly adaptable to indoor environments with low humidity and inconsistent watering.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Due to its tolerance for low light and neglect, the ZZ Plant has become a symbol of endurance and prosperity. It is often gifted as a housewarming plant or used in feng shui for attracting positive energy and wealth.
Uses and Popularity
The ZZ Plant is prized for its decorative, air-purifying qualities and its ability to withstand low light and drought-like conditions. Its upright growth habit and glossy foliage make it a statement piece in living rooms, offices, and commercial spaces.
Conservation Status
The ZZ Plant is not endangered and is widely cultivated, ensuring its availability in nurseries and plant stores globally.
Description
Physical Characteristics
ZZ Plant features thick, waxy leaves arranged in a feather-like pattern along upright stems. Its deep green foliage reflects light, giving it a polished, modern look.
Growth Habit
The ZZ Plant grows slowly, reaching heights of 2-3 feet indoors. It spreads outwards with new shoots emerging from underground rhizomes, making it ideal for tabletops and corners.
Popular Plant Varieties
ZZ Raven
- Popular for its glossy, dark green to almost black leaves, offering a bold, modern look.
Philodendron Brasil
- Features vibrant green and yellow variegated leaves, ideal for hanging baskets or shelves.
Peperomia Ruby Glow
- Compact plant with thick, ruby-colored stems and glossy leaves, perfect for desktops.
Sansevieria Moonshine
- Low-maintenance snake plant with silver-green leaves, great for modern spaces.
Syngonium Mojito
- Known for its marbled green foliage, adding texture and vibrancy to indoor areas.
Care Guide
Light Requirements
ZZ Plant thrives in low to bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions, making it perfect for offices and dim corners. Avoid direct sunlight, which may scorch its leaves. Learn More
Watering Needs
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The ZZ Plant is drought-tolerant due to its rhizomes, which store water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. Indoor Plant Watering
Soil Preferences
Use a well-draining potting mix with added sand or perlite to prevent compacted soil. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal for this plant. Indoor Potting Mix
Humidity
The ZZ Plant tolerates low humidity but benefits from occasional misting to keep its leaves looking fresh and vibrant.
Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows. Bios Natural Fertilizer
Common Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites can cause stippling and leaf damage. Increase humidity and rinse leaves to prevent infestations. Learn More
Mealybugs
White, cotton-like mealybugs may appear at leaf nodes. Treat them with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol. Learn More
Fungus Gnats
Caused by overwatering, these pests lay eggs in moist soil. Let the soil dry between waterings and use sticky traps if needed.
FAQs
Is the ZZ Plant pet-friendly?
No, the ZZ Plant is mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
How often should I water my ZZ Plant?
Water when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks, depending on light and humidity levels.
Can the ZZ Plant grow in low light?
Yes, the ZZ Plant is one of the best low-light plants, thriving even in dim environments.
Does the ZZ Plant clean the air?
Yes, the ZZ Plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, removing toxins from indoor spaces.
How to take care of ZZ Plant
Sun: Indirect
Sun: Indirect
The ZZ Plant thrives in low light conditions but exhibits faster growth when exposed to brighter light. While it can adapt to low light environments, having a window in the room ensures its vitality. It's essential to note that low light doesn't equate to no light, as plants respond to the amount of light they receive for their growth.
Light: Low
Light: Low
The ZZ Plant thrives best when it is shielded from direct sunlight. While it can tolerate some exposure to early morning or late evening sun, filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain is ideal. Optimal placement involves ensuring the plant receives bright, indirect light for most of the day, without direct exposure to the sun.
Water: When fully dry
Water: When fully dry
The ZZ Plant prefers the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In an average home environment, this can take around 4 weeks, although the timing may vary depending on factors such as the season, your specific environment, and the amount of light the plant receives. It's generally safer to underwater than to overwater, so wait until you notice signs of dryness, such as wrinkled or soft leaves, before watering. During the warmer months, you may need to water a bit more frequently to accommodate increased growth and evaporation.
Humidity: Low
Humidity: Low
The ZZ Plant has low humidity requirements, so there's no need to mist them or place them in a terrarium.
Pet Friendly: Caution
Pet Friendly: Caution
While the ZZ Plant is moderately toxic and can lead to adverse reactions if ingested, it's advisable to keep it out of reach of pets, as is the case with most plants. The extent of the reaction will vary depending on the amount consumed. If your pet typically avoids munching on plants, the ZZ Plant can still be a suitable choice for your home.
Pro Tip
Pro Tip
The ZZ Plant exhibits slow growth, yet it remains exceptionally low maintenance as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight and is not overwatered.
Delivery Policy for Plant Condition
Delivery Policy for Plant Condition
"I have only received part of my order. What to do?
No worries if you've only got part of your order! Our plants come from different nurseries and might arrive in separate shipments, typically 1-2 days apart. It's all part of ensuring your green friends reach you in top-notch condition!
If you do not receive the remaining packages within 48 hours contact support at info@mygreenscape.ca
What is the Life Time Support?
Absolutely! Lifetime support means you can count on us whenever you have questions or uncertainties about your plant. Whether you're puzzled by its behavior or just want to ensure it's thriving, we're here for you. Connect with us on Instagram @mygreenscapeto or shoot us an email at support@mygreenscape.ca.
When it comes to our guarantee for plants shipped with standard or express, rest assured that we offer a 30-day happy healthy plant guarantee on all such shipments. This ensures that your plants are covered for 30 days after delivery, giving you peace of mind regarding their condition. If you have any concerns within this period, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.
For further details, please visit our Local Delivery, Store Pickup, Standard Shipping Guide Page.
What to expect
What to expect
Your plant will arrive in a standard nursery pot, typically 0.5" - 1" smaller than the stated size to seamlessly fit into your chosen decorative pot. Washable Paper Planter Bags are available for separate purchase.
Just like nature intended, each plant is unique, showcasing natural variations in size, shape, and characteristics. Our commitment is to deliver a plant that closely resembles the one featured on our website, matching your chosen size, and with the potential to thrive happily in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!
Plant & Pot Size Chart
Plant & Pot Size Chart
Choosing the right pot size for your plants can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to gardening. But fear not! Our pot sizes chart can help you find the perfect match for your plants, ensuring they have enough space to grow and thrive. With our guide, you'll be able to confidently choose the right pot size and plant variety for your gardening needs.
Plant Pot Size Guide.
Extra Small | 7-10 cm | 2.5 - 3 inches |
Small | 11-12 cm | 3.5 - 4 inches |
Medium | 14-17 cm | 5 - 6 inches |
Large | 19-21 cm | 8 - 10 inches |
Extra Large | 24-27 cm | 12 - 14 inches |
All sizes are specified in product details.
Your Complete Guide to Pot Sizes: What Size Should You Choose?
When selecting a pot for your plant, it's important to find the right size. But with all the different options out there, how do you know which one is best? We're here to help!
MyGreenscape's pot sizes chart is a great resource for finding your perfect fit. Our easy-to-read chart takes out all the guesswork and helps you quickly choose the right size for your plant.
Smaller pots are best for seedlings or small plants just starting out. These tend to be shallow but wide, allowing enough room for the roots of the young plant but not too much where they get overcrowded. Medium-sized pots are ideal when your plant has grown from its infancy and is ready for more space. These are deeper and wider than small pots, so that it can accommodate larger root systems - making sure your plant gets enough nourishment while still giving it breathing room. Large pots are top choice if you have an established plant in need of lots of space - think trees and large shrubs! The spacious depth and width allow plenty of room for deep root systems without struggling for air or light.
No matter what size you choose, MyGreenscape has got you covered, with our pot sizes chart guaranteeing you find the perfect fit every time!
Winter Shipping Protection
Winter Shipping Protection
We take extra care with each package during the colder months. For destinations experiencing cold weather, we provide insulated packaging and heat packs as needed to protect your plants from freezing temperatures. With Winter Shipping Protection, your plants are equipped to arrive safe and sound, even in winter’s chill.
Care Guide
Care Guide
Explore essential care tips. check out our Comprehensive Resource for Indoor Plant Care.
WATERING MADE EASY
Check soil moisture before watering and use a potting mix that drains well. It’s the secret to healthy, happy plants!
We are very satisfied with the ZZ plant, would recommend Mygreenspace to anyone. In fact since my sister-in-law saw our plants (we purchased 3) , she is ordering the same ones for herself.
I'm so happy to have received this ZZ plant. Originally I ordered four plants, then after looking at my order I realized 2 of the same plant was in my cart. So I contacted Mygreenscape.ca and it was just in time as the shipment hadn't gone out yet. So I was advised I could pick another plant so that is how I became a plant parent for my ZZ :-) I'm grateful for the kindness I received -Thank you Imtiaz!
This is a very healthy plant. It's tall with interesting and shiny leaves. So nice to have this plant. Thanks Mygreenscape.ca
p.s. I want to purchase the ZZ Raven with my next order.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Mary! We're thrilled to hear that you’re happy with your ZZ Plant and that our team could assist you with your order adjustment. It’s always a pleasure to help our customers find the perfect plants for their collection. Imtiaz will be delighted to hear your kind words! We're excited for you to add the ZZ Raven to your collection next. Thanks again for choosing Mygreenscape.ca, and happy plant parenting!
As a first time customer of Mygreenspace I was really impressed with how well my order was carefully packaged. The ZZZ plant is stunning!
Beautiful plant