Photo by Kadarius Seegars on Unsplash
- Common names: ZZ plant, zuzu, Zanzibar gem, eternity plant, fern arum, aroid palm
- Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia AGM
- Family: arum (Araceae)
- Type: evergreen rhizomatous perennial houseplant
- Height: 75cm (30in)
- Spread: 60cm (24in)
- Aspect: bright indirect light or low light
- Humidity: low to average
- Temperature: 15 to 24°C (59 to 75°F)
- Hardiness: H1B
- Difficulty: easy
One of the most indestructible indoor plants, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a good-looking foliage stalwart that will manage to survive in most homes. Composed of upright ladders of glossy emerald leaves, it injects light and adds architectural structure. Easy to look after, tolerant of low light conditions, and capable of purifying the air in unventilated rooms, it is deservedly popular.
Being a rhizomatous perennial, ZZ can cope with minimal moisture, so it's ideal for irregular waterers. Unusually for a member of the arum family, it uses the CAM water-efficient system of photosynthesis, which allows it to grow in tropical scrub that is seasonally dry, as well as the homes of people who forget about their houseplants.
Hailing from the eastern coastal countries of Africa, from Kenya down to Mozambique, it gets one of its common names from the Zanzibar archipelago. It is thought to have arrived here in the 19th century via John Kirk, a Scottish doctor and botanist, who introduced several East African plants to Kew. Kirk helped to end the slave trade in Zanzibar when he served as British Consul there.
The species, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is an excellent houseplant with shiny steps of rich-green leaves. Zenzi is a dwarf form with denser leaf spacing, and Raven has stunning green-black leaves. ZZ plants are slow-growing, especially in shade, so if you want instant impact, it's worth splashing out on a larger plant.
Where to put a ZZ plant
A room with bright, indirect light (such as a west-facing windowsill) is the best place, but the plant will cope with low to medium indirect light (such as a north or east-facing room). They prefer to be in an environment that is 15°C or higher, but they will tolerate lower temperatures.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia - ZZ Plant
How to grow a ZZ plant
- Water when the surface of the compost feels dry; water very sparingly during winter. Don't leave the plant sitting in water for long periods. The leaves may yellow if you overwater, and the leaves may lose their gloss if you don't water enough.
- Bright indirect light is best, although the plant will tolerate shade. In low light, it will grow very slowly.
- Feed monthly in spring and summer.
- Wipe regularly with a damp cloth because the glossy leaves show up dust.
- Humidity is rarely an issue with Zamioculcas. These plants thrive in average household humidity and tolerate low humidity. However, they may suffer if placed right next to a dehumidifier or a radiator.
- 15°C or higher is ideal, especially in the growing season, although the plant will tolerate chill down to 8°C.
- Repotting a ZZ plant may be required if the plant is drying out faster between waterings and looks too big for its pot. Choose a container that is only slightly bigger than the previous pot, trim the roots with sharp, clean secateurs if necessary, and transfer using a general houseplant potting compost.
ZZ problems
Zanzibar gem is generally unaffected by pests and diseases. The plant is toxic to pets, so keep it on a high shelf if you have a puppy that chews everything.
Share the care - five other aroids to grow indoors
Part of the same plant family as Zamioculcas, these easy-to-grow arums require similar care and conditions:
