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ZZ plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

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ZZ plant · Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Glossy leaflets on fleshy stems tolerate rooms with little light.

Care and placement

Tolerates low to bright indirect light; water only once the mix is fully dry since the rhizome stores water; keep above about 15 °C (60 °F) and away from cold drafts.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 80 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 60 cm

Things to consider

All parts contain calcium oxalate: sap irritates skin and swallowing causes mouth burning and digestive upset (NC State, Iowa State Extension). Wear gloves when dividing; keep children and pets from chewing it.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Use a very fast-draining mix (cactus mix or soil with plenty of perlite) in a pot with drainage holes. The fleshy rhizome rots if the mix stays wet; pick a moderately sized pot.

  2. Light

    Bright indirect light speeds growth, but it tolerates very low light. Harsh afternoon sun damages leaves.

  3. Watering

    Wait until the mix is completely dry, then water thoroughly until it drains and empty the saucer. About every 2–3 weeks when warm and monthly when cool. Yellow leaves almost always mean overwatering.

  4. Feeding

    A very light feeder: diluted liquid fertilizer about monthly or a few times in the growing season. Too much builds salts, burns roots and causes brown leaf spots.

  5. Pruning

    Cut yellowed or damaged stems off at the base; no shaping needed.

  6. Propagation

    Dividing the rhizome is fastest: it is thick and tough but can be split, each piece needing a shoot and roots. Leaf cuttings work but take 3–9 months. Keep the medium slightly moist, warm and out of direct sun.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Few problems; occasional mealybugs, aphids, scale and spider mites — wipe leaves and spray neem oil weekly. Rhizome rot from wet soil is the main issue.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For more stems: place in bright indirect light, water sparingly, repot when the rhizomes crowd and divide. It grows slowly; flowers rarely appear indoors.