Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, Chameleon ZZ Plant | Thorsen's Greenhouse (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between ZZ plant and chameleon ZZ plant? ›

While ZZ Plants are relatively slow growing, Chameleon can reach 5 feet tall or more over time, maturing into a magnificent floor plant. In frost-free areas, such as South Florida, it can be grown outdoors in a shaded deck or patio.

ZZ plants are toxic to humans, although to a lesser degree than to pets. Yet again, the sap of the ZZ plant can cause skin irritation, as well as diarrhea and vomiting if accidentally ingested. So, ensure that you wear protective gloves when you take care of your ZZ plant.

Place your plant in a spot where it will receive two hours of indirect light at minimum to avoid leggy growth. The plant is known to tolerate nearly full shady conditions without natural light, but you won't get too much growth that way. The more light you give it, the more growth you'll get.

This makes them very forgiving houseplants! ZZ plants grow best in lots of indirect light (direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch), and thrive under the fluorescent lights of offices and commercial buildings. In zones 10 to 12, ZZ plants can be grown outside in areas with filtered light and well-draining soil.

The Chameleon ZZ Plant isn't just a pretty face; it's a workhorse for air quality. As it photosynthesizes, it sucks in carbon dioxide and exhales oxygen, but the real kicker is its ability to mop up indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.

It is also recommended that ZZ plants are not potted into containers that have openings smaller than the widest part of the pot. ZZ plants are extremely difficult to remove from pots that have small openings, as their rhizomes will typically fill the wider parts of the pot.

Touching a ZZ Plant isn't an invitation for disaster. The plant's leaves are generally safe to handle, but gloves are your friends during pruning or repotting. The sap is the troublemaker here, not the waxy foliage.

Though some have suggested that the ZZ Plant specifically causes cancer, or has any cancer-causing pathogens, there is no evidence to support this specific claim. With that being said, again, we do recommend keeping this plant away from pets and small children as it can be quite irritating if consumed.

It only takes three to five years for the ZZ plant to move from sprout to maturity. Yet, with appropriate care, a ZZ plant can live for decades. As a houseplant, the most common cause of death for a ZZ plant isn't neglect, but overwatering.

ZZ plants are generally pest-free but may occasionally be bothered by mealybugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites. Good treatments for getting rid of these insects include washing the leaves with an insecticidal soap and applying organic neem oil. (See more on common houseplant pests.)

Should a ZZ plant be near a window? ›

The interior of a room with lots of windows is a good choice. Other suitable options include a few feet away from a south-facing window or next to a west-facing window. You should avoid placing a ZZ plant in an area where it receives direct light. That means keeping it off of south-facing windowsills.

Generally speaking, thinner leaves are an indication a plant will need extra humidity. But be careful not to mist succulents or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, affectionately known as the ZZ plant, as they are quick to rot from excess moisture.

ZZ plants grow best between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in an environment with average humidity. Keep your ZZ plant out of temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and consider placing it near a humidifier if your air is on the dry side, particular in winter. Re-pot ZZ plants every spring.

According to the studies by NASA, the ZZ plant is efficient in removing harmful contaminants such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene and carbon dioxide from the air. This aspect gives this plant an upper hand and a good place in bedrooms/offices.

There are roughly 15 varieties of Zamioculcas plant. Some are commonly available; others are more rare to find.

The medium ZZ plant comes in a 6” pot, and will flourish in medium indirect bright light. Be careful to avoid harsh direct light or else you risk burning the leaves! Be cautious of your pets and young children around ZZ plants: all parts of the plant are poisonous.

Division and leaf cuttings are two effective methods for ZZ Plant propagation. 🌱 Bright, indirect light and careful watering are crucial for new growth. Root rot prevention is key; look for firm, white roots as success signs.