Is this the easiest houseplant? ZZ plants love neglect & come in a variety of size and colors!
The ZZ plant is one of the most interesting houseplants to look at & it's one of the most adaptable. Here's what makes ZZ plants so easy!
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If you've ever killed a houseplant (or maybe all the houseplants), the ZZ plant might just restore your confidence. Costa Farms is a third-generation, family-run business and the largest producer of houseplants in the world so we spoke to them about what makes ZZ so easy!
What Is a ZZ Plant?
ZZ plant is the common nickname for Zamioculcas zamiifolia. It's a mouthful of a scientific name that most people understandably shorten to "ZZ." Native to Eastern Africa, this plant was first discovered in the 1820s but didn't become a mainstream houseplant until the 1990s. Since then, it's earned a reputation as one of the toughest, most forgiving plants you can bring into your home or office and one of the most interesting!
ZZ Plants aren't just green.
Costa Farms currently offers ZZ plant in three main varieties, each with its own look:
The Classic ZZ The original, deep green, glossy leaves on an upright, slow-growing plant. This is the ZZ plant most people picture, and it's a dependable choice for any low-light corner of your home.
Raven® ZZ A striking twist on the classic. The leaves emerge green and darken into a nearly black color as they mature. It's a great addition for a gothic themed houseplant collection or a beautiful contrast in a home with lots of light colors. Unlike most plants which require a lot of light to fully turn this dark of a green, the Raven ZZ will turn just as dark in low light as it does in full light conditions.
Chameleon ZZ This is a new variety that is most exciting to watch when the new leaves open up. Instead of a class green color, the Chameleon ZZ's new growth emerges a bright golden-yellow.
Why ZZ Plant Is Such a Great Houseplant
There's a reason interior designers, office managers, and self-proclaimed "plant killers" all gravitate toward ZZ plant is it's ease!
It tolerates low light.
ZZ plant can survive in dim conditions, including under fluorescent office lighting, though it grows fastest with bright, indirect light.
It's very drought-tolerant.
Thanks to its water-storing rhizomes, a ZZ plant can go a very long time without water, potentially months.
It's low-maintenance.
ZZ plants don't mind being rootbound so there's no need for constant repotting. They also thrive without fertilizers or pruning. Just cut off dead leaves as they come!
It's slow-growing.
While that might sound like a downside, it helps reduce the maintenance and it will never outgrow your home.
Common ZZ Plant Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
ZZ plant earns its "nearly indestructible" reputation, but a few issues do pop up:
Yellow leaves. This is the most common complaint, and overwatering is almost always the cause. ZZ plant should only be watered once the soil has mostly dried out; consistently damp soil leads to root rot, which shows up as yellowing leaves and mushy stems. Containers need to have holes on the bottom for water to properly flush out.
Leggy or slow growth. Usually a sign the plant isn't getting enough light. While ZZ plant tolerates low light, it needs at least some indirect light to actively grow. New growth typically comes out in "flushes" all at once. The most direct light it gets, the more often you'll get new growth.
Pests. Spider mites are less common of an issue with ZZ, but these glossy leaves are prone to mealybugs and scale. Regular wipe-downs of the leaves can help keep pests at bay.
Toxicity. ZZ plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth and stomach irritation if ingested, and the sap may irritate skin for sensitive individuals. It's best kept out of reach of pets and small children.
ZZ Plants are closely related to your pothos!
Although ZZ plants look a bit like a palm tree or cycad, it actually belongs to the aroid family (Araceae), which makes it a relative of some other extremely popular houseplants: Peace lily, Pothos, Philodendron, and Monstera to name a few. While ZZ plant doesn't look much like a peace lily at first glance, they do produce tiny flowers near the base when they're very happy just like your peace lily does!
