ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Architectural plant with arching stems lined with rows of glossy dark-green oval leaflets. Stores water in thick potato-like rhizomes underground, surviving weeks of drought. Thrives on neglect in almost any light condition.
Best rooms for zz plant
Light requirements
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for zz plant
Tolerates everything from deep shade to bright indirect light. Water only when the compost has dried out completely — roughly every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter. The underground rhizomes store water like a camel. Feed 2-3 times during the growing season. Minimum 12°C.
Watering
Let the compost dry out completely between waterings. Roughly every 2–4 weeks.
Propagation
- Division of rhizomes
- Leaf cuttings in compost (extremely slow — takes months)
Toxicity
Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Causes mouth irritation and stomach upset if chewed by pets.
Common problems
- Yellow stems from overwatering (the only way to kill it)
- Slow growth (completely normal)
- Leaning stems from low light
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