Today, I'm diving into one of the most resilient houseplants: the Zanzibar Gem! This is the holy-grail of indoor plants in my opinion, as they are remarkably tolerant of neglect and can tolerate almost no natural light. There are just a few things to keep in mind when caring for this plant, which I'll share in this guide, along with some extra tips to help your Zanzibar thrive!
Zanzibar Origin & Varieties
The full name of the Zanzibar plant is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly shortened to "ZZ plant" or called the "Zanzibar Gem." Native to eastern Africa, the ZZ is tolerant to periods of drought-like conditions making it perfect for those who may forget to water their plants! The beautiful, glossy leaves grows directly from the stem, making the plant look almost fake!
There are many varieties around, including some with different coloured leaves including but not limited to:
Zenzii ZZ: This plant has a shorter growth habit than it's larger cousin, with dense foliage that tends to stay compact rather than reaching up and out. Perfect for a desk!
Variegated ZZ: A pricier, harder-to-find variety with yellow and green variegation on each leaf.
Raven ZZ: This variety has foliage that emerges bright green and slowly deepens to jet black.
Chameleon ZZ: A newer variety with a mix of bright yellow and deep green foliage.
What is the Best Light for my ZZ?
ZZ plants, like all houseplants, thrive best in bright, indirect light. BUT. Unlike almost any other houseplant, ZZ will tolerate very low-light conditions and can even survive in a room with no natural light for weeks at a time. This is perfect for offices or bathrooms with no windows! If you are keeping this plant in a very low lit spot, I recommend to take it out to a bright location every few weeks, just for a little holiday! In medium light, make sure you rotate the plant every few weeks as it may start to grow unevenly toward the light.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves if the plant is not sun-hardened.
How Often Do I Water My ZZ?
ZZ plants are very drought-tolerant thanks to their rhizomes 'bulbs', which store water. This means your ZZ can happily go 14-30 days without watering.
Watering frequency depends on your growing conditions, with more light or air conditioning possibly drying out the soil more compared to a plant which is in a cool dark spot. Therefore, always test the soil with your finger and let your ZZ plant’s soil dry out completely before watering again.
Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and root rot. If you suspect root rot, inspect the roots and cut away any mushy parts before repotting with fresh soil. Under-watering can cause browning and yellowing of leaf tips, along with dry, compacted soil. In this case, water the plant thoroughly and pick off any damaged leaves.
Humidity & Temperature
ZZ plants tolerate a range of normal household temperatures and are not fussy on humidity. Whether the air is moist or dry, these guys won't show any care! Another reason why I adore them for tricky places in your home or office.
Pests to watch for
While they are not immune, they are very resilient to pests than other varieties (alocacias... looking at you). The most common to watch for are mealybugs which may hide in the crispy leaf matter at the base of each stem.
Just like with any of your indoor plants, check regularly! If you notice multiple leaves deformed or yellowing, chances are you have an infestation. Our Mineral Oil is fantastic for eradicating an infestation, plus is doubles as a leaf shine to keep your plants clean and looking amazing.
Cleaning the Leaves
Speaking of cleaning, ZZ plant leaves show dust more than other varieties due to their shiny and glossy texture. As well as wiping each leaf, rinse the foliage off when you water the plant in a sink or shower. This also helps with pest prevention!
How Large Will My ZZ Grow?
While slow growers, ZZ plants can grow up to about 60cm tall. Repot only when the roots grow out of the drainage holes or the pot feels incredibly tight - this usually means the bulbs have gotten too big for their home! When you repot, make sure you use fresh soil to replenish nutrients and encourage healthy growth.
Pruning & Propagation
ZZ plants need minimal pruning or upkeep. You can propagate through stem cuttings in water, leaf cuttings into soil, or by dividing the bulbs. Propagation takes a long time, often up to a year and are often not as successful as other varieties such as Pothos.
Toxicity of ZZ Plants
ZZ plants are toxic if chewed or swallowed, causing pain or swelling. Keep them away from curious children and pets!
What Kind of Soil is Best for my ZZ?
Use a well-draining potting soil designed for indoor plants or succulents - the most common way to kill a Zanzibar is by root rot, either through over-watering or using dense garden soil. You want to use a soil that is chunky and full of additives to help aeration (like perlite and orchid bark).
Which Fertiliser Should I Use?
Fertilise monthly during the growing season (Spring & Summer) with a good liquid fertiliser - such as our Plant Coffee! Simply add a few drops in your watering can when you water - your plants will thank you for it!
In Conclusion…
ZZ plants are hardy and low-maintenance, ideal for anyone looking to add greenery to their space without much fuss. They can adapt to various light conditions and require minimal watering. While they’re pretty resilient, overwatering is something to look out for. There’s a variety of ZZ plants available, so you can choose one that fits your aesthetic! Got questions or want to share your experience with ZZs? Drop a comment below.
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