ZZ plant.

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Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Low to bright indirect light.

Indoor light

medium

Water

Every 14 to 21 days

Mature size

60 to 90 cm tall.

Growth rate

slow

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 10

Bloom time

Rarely blooms indoors, usually in summer.

Cuidados

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water. It thrives in average home conditions and doesn't need much fussing.

Watering

Allow the soil to dry out entirely before watering again.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Pruning

Trim away any yellow or damaged stems at the base.

Repotting

Repot only when the rhizomes become crowded in the container.

Soil

Well draining potting mix.

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

15 to 24°C

Humidity

30 to 50%

Drought tolerance

high

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years or more with proper care.

Deer and rabbits

high

Seguridad

People

All parts of the ZZ plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation if ingested or handled.

Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

Keep this plant out of reach of children, as the calcium oxalate crystals cause painful swelling and irritation if chewed or swallowed.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

There is no significant evidence that this plant causes respiratory allergies.

Edibility

This plant is toxic if ingested and should never be consumed by humans or pets.

Cómo identificarla

• Glossy dark green pinnate leaves
• Thick succulent rhizomes underground
• Upright arching stems
• Waxy leaf texture

Height

0.6 to 0.9m

Spread

0.45 to 0.6m

Leaves

dark green, evergreen

Flowers

white, green, 5 to 8cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Root rot — This occurs when the plant is overwatered and the rhizomes sit in soggy soil.
• Scale insects — These small, sap sucking insects appear as brown bumps on the stems or leaves.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

division, leaf cuttings

When to plant

spring, summer

Overwintering

Keep the plant in a warm spot and reduce watering significantly during the cooler months.

In containers

It grows very well in containers and prefers a pot that is not too large, as it likes to be slightly root bound.

Group plants with similar water needs together to prevent accidental overwatering of your ZZ plant.

Buenas compañeras

• Snake Plant — They share similar low water and light requirements.
• Pothos — They both thrive in indoor conditions with minimal fuss.

Mantenla lejos de

• Ferns — Ferns require much higher humidity and moisture than the drought tolerant ZZ plant.

Especies parecidas

• Cast Iron Plant — It shares the same reputation for being nearly indestructible in low light.

Ciencia

Family

Araceae

Genus

Zamioculcas

Order

Alismatales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Eastern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa.

Conservation

This plant is not currently listed as threatened or endangered in its native habitat.

It grows in dry, shaded forest floors or rocky outcrops where it relies on its rhizomes to survive long periods of drought.

Uses

Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Low light decor

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How often should I water my ZZ plant?

Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.

Does it need direct sunlight?

No, it prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates very low light levels.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name Zamioculcas refers to its resemblance to the cycad genus Zamia, while the species name zamiifolia means leaves like a Zamia.

Bueno saberlo

• It is often called the eternity plant because it is so hard to kill.
• The plant stores water in its thick, potato like rhizomes.
• It was only introduced to the global nursery trade in the late 1990s.
• The leaves have a naturally waxy sheen that makes them look artificial.