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The most low-maintenance houseplant perfect for everyone!
This month we’re featuring a houseplant that is perfect for pretty much everyone! If you’re looking to start adding plants to your home this is one of the plants we always recommend starting with. Whether you have no plants or 100 plants this plant is the perfect addition to your collection. It’s easy to care for, unique, drought-tolerant, and its glossy green foliage is irresistible.
Introducing…. the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia or ZZ Plant for short
Plant Level: Beginner
Winner of the lowest maintenance houseplant (awarded by us)
Price: $5-$30
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant is known by many different names, ZZ plant, Zanzibar gem, Zuzu plant, aroid palm, eternity plant or emerald palm. Part of the Araceae family, the Zz plant originates from Africa. It grows there outdoors which explains why it easily handles missing a few waterings. Dutch growers there saw it’s potential and quickly started propagating it and distributing it around the world.
If you start paying attention to plants you see while you’re out and about you’ll find this beauty pretty much everywhere you go, from offices to malls, and even at your neighbor’s house. Its hardiness makes it a go-to when it comes to indoor greenery. Even when scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest this beauty is a staple background plant. It brightens up any corner and we believe that it can even be the star of the show if given the chance! Let’s get into the specifics of how to care for the Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant.
Light:
The Zanzibar gem plant can grow great in bright, indirect light all the way to low light. When placed in low light growth will slow down and the plant can stretch out a little more. Keeping in medium light will help speed up growth.
The only thing that it won’t love is direct sunlight which will scorch the leaves. Other than that she won’t be too fussy at all. She’ll just sit there looking gorgeous while continually putting out new gorgeous lime green shoots for you year-round.
Water:
The ZZ plant stores extra water in its thick, round tuberous rhizomes. This is why the plant is so drought-tolerant. While this plant is easy going you can find issues if you water too often. You’ll want to let the soil dry out in between watering. Usually only needing to water every 2-3 weeks.
Even if you miss watering for a week or two your Zuzu forgives easily! Sometimes I don’t water mine for a month and it’s still living its best life in my bathroom! Grab yourself the moisture meter I use to help you know when to water all your houseplants.
Soil:
Use a quality well-draining houseplant soil.
Humidity:
The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia does well in normal household humidity. During winter when the air is drier it might appreciate a little extra humidity from a humidifier or a weekly spritzing.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize with a quality houseplant fertilizer a couple of times a year during the growing season, spring and summer.
Toxicity:
This plant is toxic when ingested so keep out of reach of curious pets and children.
Other Considerations:
The leaves on the ZZ houseplant are always glossy and gorgeous. If they get dusty don’t use commercial leaf shine on your plant. Simply grab a wet washcloth and wipe the dust off to restore it to its former glory.
Zuzu plants can grow to be around 2-5 feet tall and wide. They are known to be slow growers and don’t need to be repotted often. Once you find the perfect pot sit back and forget about it!
Get your ZZ Plant here
Extra Special:
Looking for a more unique ZZ plant to add to your collection? Check out these three rare and gorgeous varieties.
Raven ZZ Plant
The Raven ZZ’s gorgeous black foliage is eye-catching and a conversation starter for all who encounter it. Until very recently this plant was very rare and hard to come by but luckily now it’s showing up more and more in local nurseries. You can even purchase this black beauty on Amazon!
Variegated ZZ Plant
Variegated plants are all the rage lately and this Variegated ZZ plant is no exception. It’s no wonder with those gorgeous creamy splashed leaves.
Zenzi ZZ Plant
This dwarf version is a shorter, more compact version of the traditional ZZ plant. We think that pretty much everything is cuter when it’s miniature!
Both the Variegated ZZ plant and the Zenzi ZZ plant are quite rare and hard to come by. If you’re interested in having one of your own we recommend searching on eBay and Etsy.
Our favorite way to display a ZZ plant is in a Mid-Century Modern plant stand.
Looking for more helpful plant care information? Check out our favorite plants! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a plant of the month!
Here’s Your Monthly Plantspiration Featuring The ZZ Plant
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