ZZ Plant

The naturally shiny and famously easy-to-care-for ZZ Plant is the perfect starting point for any beginning garden enthusiast. With its waxy, bright green leaves, this plant is a beautiful specimen that has plenty of charisma and charm to share.

 

The best thing about ZZ Plants is that they are relatively indestructible and need only the bare minimum of plant care. The ZZ grows rhizomes that help store water, so if you forget to bathe them every once in a while, they will be fine. They can also survive most weather conditions and do best in adequate lighting.

 

Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes this plant so special, its specific needs to grow, the benefits of owning a ZZ Plant, and much more.

 

What is a ZZ Plant?

Originating from the tropical regions of eastern Africa, the ZZ Plant is accustomed to naturally warm weather but is famous for being easy to care for. Specifically, Dutch nurseries were the ones to discover this astonishing plant in 1996 and have since distributed the ZZ Plant all over the world. With its fleshy, oval-shaped green leaves, this plant is a stunning species that can provide plenty of character and excitement to any room in the home.

 

Not meant to put you to sleep, the name ZZ Plant is short for its botanical name, Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. It was a little difficult to roll off the tongue, so the name was cut down a bit to keep it simple, calling it the ZZ Plant.

 

Because the leaves are so shiny and waxy-coated, this plant is often mistaken for a fake plant. However, just like a fake plant, the ZZ Plant is almost impossible to kill.

 

 

 

Size

Your ZZ Plant can grow somewhere between 4″ to 6″ in width and 7″ to 10″ in height, depending on where you put your plant and the lighting situation. Sometimes the leaves may exceed past this length if in growing in natural sunlight.

 

Lighting

ZZ Plants are rather versatile in regards to lighting conditions and can tolerate both indoor and outdoor settings. The ZZ Plant can survive with very little natural lighting, but they thrive in bright, indirect light.

 

When not given enough light, the ZZ may droop over, and leaves may begin to pop off. However, this plant mustn’t stay in direct sunlight as its leaves can scorch and turn yellow.

 

Watering

The ZZ Plant is rather drought-tolerant, thanks to its thick rhizomes. With their rhizomes, they can store water they need later so their soil does not completely dry out.

 

Typically, these plants need to be watered once every week or two, depending on the weather conditions. ZZ Plants are easy-going and can go without water for a little bit without suffering much damage. However, if you overwater your ZZ, it may experience rotting and other fatal tragedies. It is always safer to keep on the underwatering side for your ZZ Plant.

 

Temperature

With medium to low indirect lighting, the ZZ Plant does enjoy warmer weather. When outside, your ZZ can thrive in most heat, but once the temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to bring your plant inside.

 

When inside, keep your ZZ Plant away from any drafts or cold locations around the house. Generally, a place next to a window or an area with good indirect lighting should suffice. As a whole, these plants do not need much humidity to survive, but it can be beneficial to purchase a humidifier to keep close to keep your plant moist and happy.

 

Feeding

ZZ Plants do not usually need regular fertilizing, but it does not hurt to feed them indoor plant fertilizer for optimal health. Only feed them one or two times during their growing season, and your ZZ should thank you with bright, green foliage.

 

Why Choose a ZZ Plant for Your Home?

Of course, ZZ Plants are an excellent addition to any home for decoration and to make your living room pop. But aside from the aesthetic reasons, this plant can provide a wide range of benefits that are great for your health, body, and mind.

 

 

Air Purification

One of the most beneficial aspects of having a houseplant is that they are a great source of clean air. And your Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is sure to keep the air in your home fresh. A Harvard study observed that indoor plants such as the ZZ could convert toxic elements from the air into healthy, breathable air.

 

This works because the ZZ Plant absorbs pollutants such as xylene, toluene, and carbon dioxide and converts them into clean oxygen. So if you want to reinvigorate and purify the air inside your home, pick up a couple of ZZ Plants, and you will feel more refreshed than ever.

 

Reduces Stress

In addition to generating a better breathing environment, houseplants help create sharper minds. When in the presence of indoor plants, people are more productive, focused, all with less stress. Studies have demonstrated that living with indoor plants can immensely decrease anxiousness and be a source of relaxation.

 

In the study conducted, there were two groups of people performing a specific computer task. One group performed the task with plants present, and the other group did the same task without any plants. In the end, the study showed that the group that performed the task with the plants present could accomplish the task more efficiently than the other group. This group also showed fewer signs of stress as well as lower blood pressure levels.

 

If, for any reason, you need some help relaxing and keeping calm, adding a ZZ Plant to your home is the way to go!

 

Extremely Adaptable

One of the most common reasons that the ZZ Plant is beloved by so many is that it is one of the hardest plants to kill. The plant ZZ is extremely adaptable in that it does well in both low and high lighting conditions, it does not require much watering, and it can survive both indoors and outdoors.

 

Another great thing about this plant is that pests and diseases tend to steer clear of this plant. So no matter where you keep your ZZ, rest assured that no pesky creatures will be trying to attack it.

 

Are ZZ Plants Good Indoors & Outdoors?

As mentioned, these plants are extremely adaptable and can survive most living conditions. Depending on your environment and the weather you usually get, your ZZ Plant should do fine wherever you keep it.

 

If kept outdoors, generally, these plants like to bask in the heat. Because they originated from eastern Africa, they are used to warm weather. However, they do not enjoy direct sunlight. As long as you provide your ZZ with a nice, shady, warm spot in your garden, they will thrive and bloom beautiful dark green leaves.

 

If your plant is inside, the best place to keep it is in a warm area that receives plenty of indirect lighting. Although this plant can survive almost any lighting situation, they enjoy having some indirect light. And since they are drought-tolerant, they can survive a couple of days without being watered and not suffer any crucial damage. The ZZ Plant is truly indestructible.

 

Is the ZZ Plant Pet and Children Friendly?

Although this plant is extremely easy to care for and rather versatile regarding plant care, the main drawback is that it is considered poisonous to pets and children. If you have any small kids or pets that enjoy using their green thumb, it is best to keep this plant out of reach. If consumed, this plant can cause vomiting or skin irritation. It is always a good idea to handle this plant with gloves.

 

ZZ Plant Family Relatives

The ZZ Plant belongs to the Araceae, or Arum plant family. This is the same plant family as the Peace Lily and other plants that produce a spadix-type flower. The Araceae family contains 114 genera and over 3700 different species.

 

Many of the plants in this family have leaves that contain rhizomes which have calcium oxalate crystals. These rhizomes can sometimes cause an inflorescent or shiny exterior, providing bright, green-colored leaves.

 

Plant Types That Are Similar to the ZZ Plant

If you are not convinced that the ZZ Plant is right for you, there are a handful of other plants that are perfect for beginners. These plants are similar in style and aesthetic and will bring any house plenty of color and life.

 

• Air Plants
• Cacti
• Jade
• Pothos
• Sansevieria Trifasciata
• Snake Plant
• Spider Plant
• Succulents

 

Although this is a general list of the plants you can pick up, all of these plants are versatile and easy to care for.

 

Final Thoughts – ZZ Plant

The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is a beautiful plant that is perfect for anyone dipping their toes in the world of gardening. They require very minimal care and generally survive through most living conditions. They also provide plenty of benefits such as cleaning the air we breathe and making us more productive.

 

If you are ready to pick up your very own ZZ Plant, check out Planted Pot’s online shop today!