ZZ plant or Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is a flowering plant belonging to the Araceae family. It is known by many names such as Zanzibar gem, aroid palm, emerald palm, Zuzu plant and eternity plant. ZZ plant is an ornamental houseplant, with its deep green and shiny leaves making it look like an artificial indoor plant.
What are ZZ plants?
ZZ plant or Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is a flowering plant that belongs to Araceae family. It is a tropical, perennial plant characterised by wide, dark green leaves. The plant is native to eastern Africa and grown mainly for ornamental purposes.
ZZ plant: Quick facts
| Plant name | ZZ plant |
| Scientific name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
| Found in | Africa (eastern parts of the continent, from southern Kenya and northeastern parts of South Africa) |
| Flower | Yellow, green or white flowers |
| Blooming season | Spring |
| Leaves | Dark green and glossy leaves |
| Sunlight requirements | Thrives in a variety of lighting conditions |
| Watering | Every two weeks |
| Height | Height and width of two to three ft |
| Soil | Well-draining soil type and neutral or acidic soil pH |
| Benefits | Easy care and maintenance. It can thrive in low-light and drought-prone conditions |
| Disadvantages | Toxic to humans and pets |
| Common problems | Yellowing and dropping of leaves |
| Significance | The plant attracts good luck and brings harmony |
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ZZ plant benefits
Air purifying properties
The plant is an air purifier, which can eliminate toxins in the air, such as xylene, toluene and benzene to a great extent.
Low maintenance
ZZ plants are easy to care and maintain as they can survive in minimum sunlight and are resistant to drought conditions. It is mainly because the plant roots have rhizomes that help store water.
Reduces stress
The plants help reduce stress and have a positive effect on health. The presence of this houseplant enhances mood and boosts creativity.
Medicinal properties
In some parts of Africa, ZZ plants are used for medicinal properties as their leaves can cure earache.
Ornamental value
ZZ plants as indoor plants can help elevate your home’s décor quotient. The glossy leaves and upright stems bring tropical vibes and freshness.
Cultural significance
ZZ plants are popular in different cultures for promoting good vibes and attracting protective energy to the house.
ZZ plant significance in Vastu and Feng Shui
ZZ plant is a popular and easy-to-care houseplant. As per Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, the ZZ plant is an auspicious plant that attracts good luck and brings harmony in a house. Hence, you will find this plant in homes and offices. According to Feng Shui, placing ZZ plants in a house ensures prosperity for the family and helps gain more opportunities and success.
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ZZ plant is also known as a fortune tree as it symbolises good luck. You can also gift the plant to someone starting a new venture. It also makes for a perfect housewarming gift for new house owners.
The plant also denotes the following characteristics:
- Growth: The plant is known to have slow and steady growth. It is also recognised for its strength.
- Dedication: People believe the plant’s perseverance is an example of how one should remain dedicated and work hard to achieve one’s goals in life.
- Encouragement: The plant also symbolises encouragement through the way it grows and develops over time.
- Steadiness: ZZ plant also symbolises steadiness and consistency.
ZZ plant direction as per Vastu Shastra
According to Vastu Shastra, the ZZ plant must be positioned in the southeast direction. This arrangement will bring wealth, success and abundance in life.
Where to place ZZ plant?
- Study room: Keep the ZZ plant in the study room or work area in your house, which will help boost focus and create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Dining area: Add a ZZ plant to your dining table décor to create a positive ambience.
- Living room: The living room is an ideal spot for houseplants and remove negative energies.
- Kitchen: Place a ZZ plant in your kitchen’s countertop or island to enhance the décor and promote positive energy flow.
- Cash register: The plant is also considered lucky and is placed near cash registers in shops to attract business.
Types of ZZ plant
- Lucky variegated: This variety of ZZ plants has green foliage variegated with white and yellow, which may fade under inadequate light conditions.
- Zamicro: It is a dwarf variety of the plant having smaller leaves and shorter stems.
- Raven: It is a newer variety compared to other types of ZZ plants. It is characterised by its dark purple-maroon leaves.
How to grow ZZ plants outdoors?
ZZ plants grow from large, thick rhizomes that appear like potatoes. ZZ plants can be separating the rhizomes and replanting them.
If you are growing ZZ plants outdoors, keep them in partial shade as direct sunlight, especially during the afternoons, can damage the leaves. The plant do not withstand outdoor temperatures dropping below 5 degrees Celsius. Make sure to have proper drainage. The ZZ plant does not require frequent watering as the plant has the ability to retain water in its rhizomes or root stalk. Water the plant more frequently in summers.
How to grow ZZ plants indoors?
Another way to grow ZZ plants is by planting the cuttings with a few leaves and a bit of stem. ZZ plants grow faster when more rhizomes or larger rhizomes are grown together.
The plants adjust well to indoor environments. Ensure proper drainage. Less watering is required when growing the plant indoors, especially only when the topsoil becomes dry up to the first inch. Water the plant every week during summers and once a month in winters.
ZZ plant care and maintenance
ZZ plants are low-maintenance plants that can tolerate drought-prone conditions. These drought-tolerant plants grow from rhizomes that store water under the soil. However, they require watering once in two weeks. Among the ZZ plant gardening tips for beginners is that dust may accumulate on the shiny leaves of a plant and hence, one should wipe down leaves using a damp cloth.
Light
Zanzibar gem plants can withstand varied lighting conditions. Thus, they can be easily grown indoors in minimum light but can start to look frain quickly without enough light. Placing them near south-facing windows inside a house will give the plants bright and indirect light. When growing the plant outdoors, place it in a pot or a container that can be moved indoors when the temperature cools down.
Temperature
ZZ plants grow well in normal temperatures and humidity levels at home. However, they may not tolerate cold temperature of less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius. The plant does not need extreme humid conditions, but you must avoid dry places. You may increase the humidity levels around the plant with the help of a humidifier.
Water
The plants may tolerate irregular watering, mainly because of their thick rhizomes. However, they need watering if the soil completely dries out, which may happen once in two weeks based on their growing conditions. Wet the soil thoroughly until water runs through the drainage hole in a container. Avoid overwatering the plant and remove excess of water.
Soil and fertiliser
ZZ plants need well-draining soil. The commonly available garden soil mix may be adequate for the plant. Adding perlite or sand will help provide additional drainage to the soil. Zanzibar gems do not need regular fertilising but you can use indoor plant fertiliser by diluting its strength to half in its growing season to increase size or vigour.
Potting and repotting
Zanzibar gem plants must be repotted if they outgrow a container, especially if you observe that the rhizomes are pressing up against the container’s edge or distorting the container. The spring or summer season is an ideal time for repotting the plant. Opt for a potting container with adequate drainage holes and a size larger than the existing container.
Pruning
ZZ plants may not benefit from pruning, unlike other houseplants. However, pruning and shaping may improve the plant’s shape and help in removing yellow or damaged leaves.
How to propagate ZZ plants?
The ZZ plant can be propagated through two methods – Stem cuttings and leaf cuttings.
Stem cuttings
Growing from stem cuttings allows ZZ plants to propagate faster. Cut off the stalk of the ZZ plant at the base. Place the stem in water and regularly change the water in 3 to 4 weeks. Keep it near the window that receives adequate sunlight.
New rhizome and around one inch of new roots will appear. After this, you can repot the plant. Choose a pot with proper drainage. Avoid overwatering and use around two inches of potting soil to allow optimal growth.
Leaf cuttings
This process may take longer. Cut off a leaf from the point close to the stalk along with a small portion of stem. Keep the leaf’s stem into a potting mix about 1 cm deep. Multiple cuttings can be taken. Water the pot every two weeks or whenever the soil is dry. The rhizomes will begin to appear.
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ZZ plant problems
- Ensuring the ideal amount of water for the plant is a challenge that plant owners and gardeners face. The plant is dehydrated and requires watering, if its leaves begin yellowing or drooping. Similarly, the plant needs watering if you notice that the upper three inches of soil is dry.
- The plant requires protection from houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, fungus gnats, etc. You can use insecticidal soap to tackle pest problems.
Is ZZ plant a money plant?
The ZZ plant is usually referred to as the money plant or the fortune tree. Keeping the ZZ plant in the Vastu-recommended direction at home or workplace, in the wealth corner is believed to attract good fortune to the owner or inhabitants of the place.
How long does a ZZ plant live?
ZZ plants have a long lifespan. The leaves of ZZ plans survive up to six months or longer and four months even without watering. With proper care, ZZ plants can live five to 10 years or longer.
FAQs
Why is the ZZ plant poisonous?
The plant produces calcium oxalate, which may cause skin irritation on direct contact. It can also harm internal tissues and cause stomach aches, diarrhoea and vomiting when ingested.
How long do ZZ plants live?
Zanzibar gem or ZZ plants are long-lasting plants, also referred to as heirloom plants, as they can pass from one generation to another.
Where should I place a ZZ plant in my house?
You can place the ZZ plants inside your house near south-facing windows to ensure sufficient sunlight. Avoid providing direct sunlight to the plant. Also, make sure to provide optimum level of humidity.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
