Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
Common Name: “ZZ Plant”; “Zanzibar Gem”; “Eternity Plant”
Scientific Classification:
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Sub-Family: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Zamioculcas
Species: Z. zamiifolia
Note: There is only one species in the Zamioculcas genus, and that is the ZZ Plant.
Native To: Eastern to South Africa
Growing Specs:
- Appearance: Grows up to 2 feet tall from a succulent rhizome. The leaves are pinnate, smooth, shiny, and dark green, up to 2 feet long, with 6-8 pairs of leaflets up to 6 inches long.
- Flowering: The ZZ Plant rarely flowers, but when it does, it produces a spadix-type flower similar to the Peace Lily.
- Hardiness: Hardy to about 20-25 degrees F.
pin·nate/ˈpināt,ˈpinət/adjective
Care Requirements: Not applicable. Haha, just kidding. But indeed, the ZZ Plant requires very little care. It will thrive in the darkest of locations, with very little water. If you’re a beginner, if you travel a lot, or if you have a black thumb an untrained green thumb, this is the plant for you.
Propagation: ZZ Plant can be easily propagated by pulling off single leaves and laying them flat underneath a shallow layer of sandy soil. Water once per week for one month until little roots form, then plant in potting soil. The rhizomes will develop further once planted.
Toxicity: Poisonous to human and pets if ingested. Check out my Pet Safety Guide for more information.
Xylem Rising’s Observations: The easiest houseplant to care for! It is number one on my Top 7 Houseplants that are Completely Indestructible list. I water mine once every three months, and the leaves stay evergreen. I’ve never had a yellow leaf or any issues at all with this plant. Sometimes the older leaves will display dark circular rings along the stems, but this does not indicate any problems or nutrient deficiencies. It is in the darkest corner of my North-facing bathroom underneath the redwoods and gets almost no light from the frosted window across the room. It thrives! Long live the Eternity Plant!
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~CRK.
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Xylem Rising 