ZZ Plant

Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

ZZ Plant has become increasingly popular in recent years and I believe it deserves all the attention it's been getting. The Aroid family has given us more dependable house plants than any other group and Zamioculcas zamiifolia is no exception. This is a worthwhile plant to add to your collection.

ZZ makes a great room accent and practically thrives on neglect. This easy-going house plant is forgiving if you forget to water, tolerates low light, and rarely needs fertilized. Want more? It also seems to shrug off pests.

Growing from rhizomes, it has thick, upright stems bearing narrow, dark-green glossy leaves. Small, insignificant flowers -- consisting of a spadix surrounded by a spathe -- may appear at the base of plants in summer.

A slow-grower, ZZ plant rarely needs repotted. Keep it in a small pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Overwatering this plant is a sure-fire way to kill it. To avoid soggy soil, use a fast-draining mix. You can add sand or perlite to a potting mix or use a cactus mix.

CAUTION: All parts of this plant are poisonous. Keep it away from children and pets who may play with or ingest this plant. It's also a good idea to wear gloves while handling it or to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Origin: East Africa

Height: Slow-growing, but can reach up to 3 ft (90 cm) indoors. It grows much taller in its native habitat.

Light: Bright to low light. Keep it out of direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves.

Water: Water thoroughly and allow the top 2 in (5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings. Soggy soil will cause the rhizomes to rot.

Humidity: Average indoor humidity.

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F, 16-24°C

Soil: Fast-draining medium works best to avoid root rot. Mix 1 part good-quality all-purpose potting mix and 1 part sharp sand or perlite. Cactus mix works well, too.

Fertilizer: Feed 4 times a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Division of rhizomes. Leaf cuttings can be propagated. But be patient -- the cuttings can take several months to grow.