Zamioculcas, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
ZZ plant
Overview
Zamioculcas is an African genus in the arum family, Araceae, grown worldwide as a durable houseplant and represented in cultivation by the species Z. zamiifolia. Native to eastern and southern Africa, it forms clumps of upright, glossy pinnate leaves 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) long, each with a thick, fleshy stalk and paired dark green leaflets. A stout underground rhizome stores water, allowing plants to withstand long dry periods and irregular watering. Growth is slow, with a few new leaves added each season. Greenish to cream aroid flowers, a small spadix wrapped in a pale spathe, form near the base of the plant but appear infrequently in cultivation. Zamioculcas tolerates low light and dry indoor air, which suits it to offices and shaded rooms, though it grows faster in bright, indirect light. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are irritating and toxic if chewed or swallowed by people or pets.
Native Range
Eastern and southern Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania south to eastern South Africa, where it grows in dry forest, grassland, and rocky ground.Suggested Uses
Zamioculcas is used mainly as a low-maintenance houseplant for homes, offices, and shaded interior spaces, and in frost-free climates as a container or shaded garden plant. Its tolerance of low light and irregular care suits it to positions where many foliage plants decline.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering is infrequent in cultivation and occurs mainly in summer and autumn on mature plants. The inflorescence is a short greenish to cream spadix enclosed in a pale, boat-shaped spathe, carried low among the leaf bases. Indoor plants often grow for years without flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Zamioculcas grows in low to bright indirect light and gritty, free-draining potting mix, and stores water in its rhizome and swollen leaf bases. Watering is needed only when the soil has dried well down, as the rhizome rots in constantly wet conditions. The plant tolerates dry indoor air, infrequent feeding, and temperatures above about 60 F (15 C), but is damaged by frost. Growth is slow, and plants grow well when slightly pot-bound. Wiping dust from the glossy leaves keeps them clear.Pruning
Little pruning is required. Whole leaves that yellow with age are cut off at the base, and overgrown clumps can be divided when repotting to propagate the rhizomes.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
