Green Zamiya, ZZ Plant  (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Description

The Green Zamiya plant is a houseplant called Zamioculcas zamiifolia botanically but it is more popularly known as the ZZ plant or Zanzibar Gem. These are prized foliage plants which display clusters of beautiful glossy dark green leaflets that have a waxy or glossy appearance and sprout in a feather formation along thick upright stems. New growth on a ZZ plant emerges a much lighter, bright green and will darken with maturity. 

Underground are large potato like rhizomes where the plant stores water and nutrients allowing it to survive quite well even when the water schedule varies from what typical plants like. 

The Green Zamiya is one of the easiest houseplant varieties to care for and is a good option for anyone new to plants, who travels a lot or tends to be busy. The ZZ is a slow-moderate grower even indoors and it can be several years before it attains a mature size of approximately 2-3’ in home environment. They are suitable for use in living rooms, hallway environments, on office desks and in waiting areas in various environments and situations – including poorly lit ones. Although they are tolerant of the dark very nicely better than most other leafed plants; however, in order to promote faster growth to reach maximum size, they prefer being grown in a medium to bright indirect light location away from the direct impact of the sun, which would cause damage to their delicate foliage. 

Their tolerance to varying light conditions and overall easy care have made them a very popular choice for interiors both in office settings and homes. 

As with all plants that have green leaves it absorbs carbon dioxide, releases oxygen during the day and just generally functions the same way as any other healthy plant will. Your purchase will include a planter to house the plant that corresponds in size for its existing roots and has a drainage opening for any excess water.

Key features

• Glossy, dark green, feathery leaves that have their own natural shine 
• With water-storing roots, it's far more forgiving of irregular watering than you might expect 
• Most other house plants don’t handle low light quite as well as this foliage star 
• Since it grows slowly to moderately, it’ll only need re-potted once in a while 
• Great if you lead a hectic life or are new to plant parenthood, it fits right in busy offices or homes 
• Striking, architectural growth pattern 
• Supplied in a pot appropriate for the plant, ready to go with good drainage 
• Ideal solution for less-illuminated spots, like hallways or reception areas.

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 × Live Green Zamiya (ZZ) Plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional, as selected at checkout)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important notes

• Each plant is unique, as life itself, so size and count of stem, as well as shape may be slightly different compared to photos of their look-alikes. 
• Some leaf droop may be experienced during the transport because of dry soil; usually goes away on its own within a week or two after regular watering. 
• Do not place plants in a spot with a strong direct sunlight – this is a reason for its burn marks on leaves; rather choose a position from low to bright indirect light. 
• The plant may show dormancy for long spells, particularly during winters and in periods with scarce light; it’s its intrinsic behaviour of being slow-growing, not an illness. 
• Do not eat! Calcium oxalate crystals are found in this plant; it is poisonous when swallowed and you should make sure not to give it to kids or pets. 
• Small warps in the original plastic pot that the plant is sent in, are also common – rhizomes of this plant are often so huge that they simply deform the pot plastic over time by pressing it on the inside.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are my zz plant droopy leaves? 

A: Most often it is due to a lack of water. Feel the soil and see if it is dry to the touch if that is the case. Water your plant thoroughly. If the plant has been recently moved there and you see the leaves droop, don’t get worked up about it, it is probably because it is being transferred to a new environment

Q: How often should I water this plant? 

A: Wait until the soil is dry. This will really vary depending on temperature, but it will likely be every 2-4 weeks, less often in the winter, but you need to ensure the soil is dry each time. This plant tolerates drying out better than getting too much water.

Q: Will this plant grow in a room with very minimal light?

A: Yes! This is a lower light tolerant plant than most foliage plants and is sometimes used to fill a corner or hallway. Growth will be slowest in a low light situation; the plant will thrive best (grow most vigorously and appear fullest) in medium to bright indirect light.

Q: Does it need full sun? 

A: No-actually, keep direct sunlight away entirely, to prevent sunburning the leaves. I found it did best in medium to bright indirect light, never enough to scald its leaves. 

Q: How fast does the ZZ grow? 

A: It’s a slow grower, rather than a moderate one; it just bursts new growth on occasion, so you won’t see it progress continuously throughout the year. The maximum size is 2 to 3 feet, which could take a few years. 

Q: How to repot, and when does it need fertilizer? 

A: You’ll need to repot about every two to three years-or, until its roots come out of the drainage holes-but the plant’s OK with growing slightly rootbound, so don’t feel obligated. A very lightly diluted balanced liquid fertilizer in spring, and again in the summer-though there really is no need- will spur its growth.