Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Zanzibar Gem, ZZ Plant

Rich green upright towers of fleshy succulent stems give Zamioculcas zamiifolia a memorable architectural form that makes for an incredibly impressive specimen plant despite its easy to care for nature.

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These images are for illustration purposes only. Plants are delivered in nursery pots and other individual features may not be present due to seasonality.

Origin: East Africa
Genus: Zamioculcas
Species / Cultivar: zamiifolia
Common Name: Zanzibar Gem, ZZ Plant
Synonym: Caladium zamiifolium

Plant Biography

Native to dry grassland and forest areas of East Africa, parts of this succulent have historically been used by traditional healers in Malawi and Tanzania to treat ear ache and inflammatory conditions.

The name Zamioculcas zamiifolia alludes to this plant’s strong resemblance to a Zamia cycad, but this tongue twister-esque name is often shortened to ‘ZZ Plant’.

Similar to cycads though, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is one of the most ancient plants we cultivate for our homes. In fact, it’s often described as a “living fossil” as it is thought to have evolved around 42 million years ago.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Light: Medium
This plant likes a spot further away from bright windows, but still lit by natural light.
Soil: Cacti and Succulent Mix
Enjoys a drier soil with a high ratio of drainage material.
Temperature: >7°C
Temperature range at which this plant is healthiest and grows best.
Growth Rate: Slow
Expect to see quite small amounts of growth over the years.
Final Size: Medium
Final size will be suitable for a table, plant stand, or large strong shelf.
Water Requirement: Light Watering
Water when several cm of soil depth is dry to the touch. Water must draining easily away.
Humidity: Low
Suited to fairly dry air, typically because it evolved in an arid climate.
Maintenance: Low
Requires no attention beyond correct position and watering. An ideal starter plant!

Expert Tip

Cream flowers can appear on mature plants, but they are rare.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is an incredibly forgiving house plant to care for as its fleshy stems make it extremely drought tolerant. It’s a succulent that loves sunlight, but can even tolerate very low light levels so long as it’s sparsely watered. If the leaves become longer than average, it may suggest it needs more sunlight.

ZZ plants are also easy to propagate at home with cuttings of leaflets and stems with leaves. In the wild, when there is prolonged drought, the leaves will drop to the ground and a new plant will begin to grow.

The plant’s deep green leaves filter air borne toxins, purifying the air in your home.
Very green and large very good service first class

David M.

Very green and large very good service first class

1 customer review for Zamioculcas zamiifolia

very green and large very good service first class

David M. –

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