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ZZ Plant Care Tips for the Easy Houseplant
ZZ plants make great houseplants because they don’t require a lot of care. In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on how to take care of your ZZ plant, including watering, light, and fertilizing.
If you’re like me and love plants but don’t have a green thumb, then the ZZ plant is for you! This easy-to-care-for houseplant is perfect for beginners. In this blog post, I’ll give you some tips on how to care for your ZZ plant. So if you’re ready to add a little bit of life to your home, keep reading!
Easy Enough for Commercial Use
Yes, the beautiful ZZ plant is often used in indoor displays such as malls and galleries. Why? Because it is so easy to care for and keeps its beauty even in commercial areas.
If the ZZ plant stands up to commercial applications, imagine how easy it would grow and stay beautiful in your home!
What is the ZZ plant?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia are considered low-maintenance plants. They are easily distinguished from other plants because of their gleaming and broad leaves that grow upwards.
The plant is indigenous to Tanzania and Zanzibar in East Africa but has become quite popular in the United States.
ZZ plant gets its name as Zanzibar diamond or Zanzibar gem because people often get confused, believing they are artificial plants. Indeed, they do look a bit like artificial plants due to the leaves being glossy and intensely green.
ZZ Plant Scientific Name Classification
Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Scientific Classification: Araceae family
How to care for the ZZ plant
Caring for the Zanzibar gem plant is actually quite simple. Just follow the proper guideline for these low-maintenance and easy-to-care houseplants. In fact, we consider the ZZ plant to be among the easiest houseplants for beginners. But experienced growers love this plant, too.
Watering Requirements:
Having thick rhizomes, these plants can thrive in drought-like conditions and do not require frequent watering. It is advised that you check the soil of your plant, and water if it’s dry. Most people find the ZZ plant needs water about once every two weeks.
Your lighting will affect how often the plant needs water, too. Brighter light tends to dry the plant out sooner than a lower light. Also, your home’s temperature and humidity need to be considered, too.
If the plant is in need of more water, you will notice the leaves wilt and wrinkle. When that happens, water it thoroughly and check more frequently.
Avoid overwatering. If your plant is rooted in well-drained soil, you can safely saturate the soil when watering. Just make sure the water drains. The ZZ plant suffers if the roots are soggy.
Signs of overwatering include mushy leaves and root rot. If you catch the problem soon enough, you might save your plant by repotting with damp but not wet soil.
Humidity
In its native East Africa, ZZ lives with a 40-50% humidity level. However, it happily adjusts to somewhat drier and also a bit higher humidity levels. If you are comfortable in your home the ZZ plant is probably fine, too.
If you need to raise the humidity level for your plant, you might use a humidifier or a pebble tray.
Temperature for Your ZZ Plant
Your ZZ plant is similar to other houseplants with regard to temperature. It prefers a range between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C). It’s best to ensure the temperature always stays above 60°F.
Light Requirements:
Although they tolerate low, indirect light, the ZZ plant prefers medium to bright indirect light. Place your ZZ plant where it will receive 6 to 12 hours of light for best results. However, be sure to keep it away from intense, direct sunlight as this will cause wilting and burnt leaves.
Does Plant Size Matter?
If so, know that the ZZ plant may grow up to two to three feet tall. It spreads about as wide, too. However, the ZZ plant grows quite slowly. In fact, it may take up to five years to reach full height.
Pests?
Insects and disease are rarely a problem with these hardy plants. On the rare chance you find an issue, just use a natural treatment such as Neem Oil.
Parents and Pet Owners, Take Caution
The ZZ Plant, for all its beauty, if sadly not pet-friendly. The foliage can be irritating to your pets and to people, too. That doesn’t mean you can not still have this plant in your home. Just be sure to place it in a safe area away from little hands and paws.
Have You Tried Growing a ZZ Plant?
If you’re looking for an easy-care plant that will liven up your home or office, the ZZ plant is a great option. With just a little bit of TLC, your ZZ plant can thrive for years. Have you tried growing a ZZ plant? What tips do you have to share? Please leave us a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.
