ZZ Plant (2024)

FAQs

What are the cons of the ZZ plant? ›

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.

Air Purifying Properties

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.

ZZ Plant is Toxic To Humans 💀 Calcium oxalate & saponins in ZZ Plant can irritate skin and cause discomfort if ingested. Handle with care: Wear gloves, keep out of reach of kids and pets. 🚑 In case of exposure: Rinse, wash, flush affected areas, and seek medical help if severe.

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.

Place a ZZ plant in bright, indirect light. If your windows face south, east, or west, avoid placing the plant in direct sun because the leaves can easily burn or scorch. In north-facing homes, you can put it almost anywhere.

This is a normal phenomen and is the sign of a happy, well-watered specimen. It's called guttation or weeping leaves. Plants breathe at night and still need sap to flow up and down the plant. Guttation takes over to force sap and water up when transpiration stops being effective.

They spread via underground stems called rhizomes. The plump rhizomes look a lot like potatoes, but they play a special role. Like other succulent plants, ZZ plants store water in their rhizomes and fleshy stems — a handy feature in times of drought.

The Zamioculcas Zamifolia or ZZ Plant is a hardy houseplant but is considered toxic for dogs and people if ingested. When eaten, the ZZ Plant can cause diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, the sap of the plant is considered an irritant that can be painful and burn a pet's mouth and throat.

Although extremely rare for those grown indoors, ZZ plants can produce little white, spathe-type flowers near the base of its stalk, which is almost identical to the flowers of a peace lily. When it's time to repot and pull out your ZZ plant from the soil, you'll see that its roots actually look like potatoes.

ZZ PLANT CARE

To keep the foliage nice and shiny, clean with a damp cloth as needed to remove dust. Misting the leaves occasionally will also reduce dust buildup. Keeping your plant dust-free is good for its health too, because the leaves will be able take in more sunlight.

Should a ZZ plant be near a window? ›

It's not necessary to keep your ZZ plant next to a window, but if you want to do that, try putting it next to a north-facing or east-facing window. These plants don't require a sunny location, and they may get too much sun if placed near a south-facing window.

ZZ Plants are, in fact, poisonous. Calcium oxalate is present in all parts of the plant structure—leaves, stems, roots, and even rhizomes—causing skin irritation such as rashes and itchiness.

ZZ Plant. The drought-tolerant ZZ plant makes a wonderful addition to low-light situations in homes and offices, but all parts of this plant are poisonous. Keep it away from children and pets, and wash your hands or wear gloves if you need to handle it.

A ZZ plant should be in a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Avoid huge pots as they retain too much moisture between waterings, which may cause your plant to suffocate.

It does well in low-light areas, isn't bothered by low humidity and can survive a forgetful owner's sporadic watering habits. Though ZZ plant is a survivor, proper ZZ plant care includes watering it when the top few inches of soil dries out and feeding it with regular houseplant fertilizer a few times per year.