ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

click pic to enlarge

Houseplant or Zone 10

ZZ Plant has been on the market for a long time, e.g. was Plant of the Year for the industry TPIE show in 2002 here in Fort Lauderdale.  Now suddenly, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is getting known around the country and becoming more and more popular

The reason is ZZ Plant makes a great houseplant.  Some folks say ZZ Plant is the easiest indoor plant you could own

ZZ Plant handles low light /hours very well, needs little water and is generally pretty tough. ZZ Plant grows with an underground tuber like a potato where water is stored.  In fact, ZZ Plant might go several months without added water

Leaves are naturally bright and shiny and basically pest free

Ultra loose very well drained soil is essential.  Go ahead and thin your 'Pro Mix ' soil with 40+% Perlite or coarse sand.  Water needs are very low so any thicker soil type is a negative to good health.  Feed ZZ Plant with time release pellet food like 14-14-14 during warm and hot months, then none for your winter months

In time, your Zamioculcas zamiifolia will develop a spath flower, like your Spathiphllum but more like your philodendron.  Your ZZ Plant is related to both and is a tropical perenniel from Africa

Start new ZZ Plants with leaf cuttings or division