How to Care For ZZ Plants: The Complete Guide

When starting a new indoor flora collection, ZZ plants are an excellent way to begin the journey. This is because they have beautiful, shiny, oval leaves with a deep emerald-green hue.

On top of that, the plants don’t require much maintenance to survive. However, to ensure they don’t wilt away, you have to learn how to care for ZZ plants.

So, let’s take a look at the origin and the care guide for these florae.

What Are ZZ Plants?

Before we jump into the care guide, it’s a good idea to be aware of the history of these plants. ZZ stands for Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, which is a species of plant, native to South Africa.

Over the years, we domesticated the plants and started growing them indoors. This is because these vegetations have an exceptional ability to survive.

They can handle harsh weather and withstand tough elements.

For that reason, we classify ZZ plants as tropical perennial plants. That means they can live for more than two years and have no trouble adjusting to the changing of the seasons.

Common Names for ZZ Plants

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is one of the most complex plant names out there. It comes from the genus and species of the flora.

So, it should come as no surprise that people have a hard time using it on a daily basis. Instead, we came up with quite a few different names for the sturdy plants. 

For example, many people refer to ZZs as:

• Emerald palms
• Zanzibar gems
• Zuzu plants
• Aroid palms
• Eternity plants

Each one of these names has a slightly different origin.

For starters, because they have a deep green shade, we refer to these plants as emerald palms. This hue is incredibly similar to the color of precious gemstones.

Moving on, we call them Zanzibar gems to pay homage to the plant’s place of origin and color.

Zuzu is another version of the plant’s scientific name. It’s an abbreviation of the more complex Latin title.

As for aroid, it’s the name of a class of plants that come from the family Araceae. Finally, we refer to ZZs as eternity plants because of how long they can live. 

Classification

There are a few different ways to classify ZZ plants. The most common way is through their scientific lineage.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Alismatales
• Family: Araceae
• Genus: Zamioculcas
• Species: Z.zamiifolia

To kick off, these organisms come from the Plantae kingdom. It’s the category that includes most of the flora on Earth.

Next, ZZs belong to the Alismatales order. This is a group of plants that have single-seed leaves.

Araceae, also known as the arum family, is a class of popular decorative indoor plants. These include examples like pothos, calla lilies, and skunk cabbage.

Appearance and Characteristics

One of the best aspects of ZZ plants is how beautiful they look. Starting at the stems, they’re thick and sturdy at the base and then taper to a point at the top. 

That allows the structures to bend and move to follow the sunlight.

Moving on, the leaves are broad and oval-shaped, with a fleshy center. 

There’s also a protective waxy layer that covers the entire plant to keep it safe from the elements. This gives ZZs a glossy coating that can reflect light and make the plant look as if it’s glittering.

In fact, because of how shiny they are, some people assume that ZZ plants are artificial.

Quick Summary

Here’s a quick summary of everything we know about ZZ plants so far. 

• ZZ comes from the Latin name Zamioculcas zamiifolia
• One of the most popular indoor plants
• They have other names like emerald palms and Zanzibar gems
• The full scientific name is Plantae Alismatales Araceae Zamioculcas zamiifolia
• Stems have bulky bases and taper as they grow
• Leaves are fleshy and oval-shaped with a deep green hue
• They have a waxy coating that gives a shiny luster

How to Care For ZZ Plants

Now that you have a little background on the plants, we can jump into the care guide. We’ll break down all the different aspects of maintaining ZZs in your home.

1. Sunlight

ZZ plants rely on sunlight as their main source of nourishment. They turn the energy from the rays into food using a process called photosynthesis.

As you can imagine, that means that light is incredibly crucial for these plants’ survival.

Ideally, these florae prefer bright, indirect sun. This will provide them with enough energy to grow quickly.

Luckily, ZZs can also survive in locations with low light conditions, but they won’t thrive. The plants carry out basic functions like breathing, but they won’t create new structures.

That means the stems can’t extend and grow more leaves.

The real danger to these plants is too much light. Excessive rays may cause the leaves of ZZs to start degrading.

They’ll break down and wilt over time because of the increased radiation from the sun.

For that reason, it’s best to set these plants next to a south-facing window. You can also use shade curtains to control how much light makes it through your windows.

2. Watering

As we mentioned before, ZZ plants are native to certain parts of Africa. That means they have adaptations that allow them to live in dry environments.

Typically, ZZs need about two cups of water every week to stay healthy. Although, this can change with the weather conditions.

Instead of using a stable water schedule, it’s best to figure out your plants’ needs. To do that, start by watering the soil until it’s damp.

Then, wait for a week or so before you check in on the ZZs. After about seven days, the soil should be dry on the surface, so you’ll need to dig deeper.

Using your index finger, poke a hole into the growing medium that’s about three or four inches deep. If your finger comes out completely dry, then the plants need water.

Yet, with even a little moisture left in the soil, it’s not a good idea to add more. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant, so too much water can cause them to wilt and fade away.

3. Humidity & Temperature

Let’s take a look at how humidity and temperature affect the growth of ZZ plants.

Humidity

Most of us worry about watering our plants but forget that humidity is also a crucial factor.

Emerald plants need a consistent level of air moisture to thrive. For the most part, they can survive in average household conditions.

However, this will change as winter creeps in. As the room gets colder, the humidity level will drop naturally.

At that point, the plants will release their moisture into the air to increase the humidity. Over time, this could lead to the ZZs drying out and wilting.

So, to avoid this outcome, it’s a good idea to install a humidifier. Running the device for a couple of hours a week will ensure that your plants stay hydrated and healthy.

Temperature

Moving on to temperature, Zanzibar gems prefer mild conditions. In other words, anywhere between 65 and 75°F should do the trick.

If the climate gets much hotter than this range, the ZZs will sweat and wilt. This shouldn’t be a major issue though, as a little water in the soil will resolve it.

However, freezing temperatures are a different story. If the temperature drops below 60°F, the emerald gem may begin to frost over.

Vital sections like the roots and leaves will freeze and may fall off. When that happens, the plants won’t be able to survive for long.

That’s why many plant owners opt for a heating lamp to keep their ZZs toasty in the winter.

4. Cleaning

Since Zanzibar gems are mostly decorative, it’s important that they stay clean. Thankfully, the plants already have a built-in system that keeps them spotless.

This comes in the form of a waxy coating. The outer layer gives the ZZs a slippery, smooth, almost plastic-like texture.

So, any dirt or debris will simply slide right off the leaves and stems.

However, fine dust particles can collect on the waxy surface and cause it to dull down. This won’t affect the plant’s ability to survive, but it will ruin the shiny glow.

In that case, you may need to use a fiber towel to gently wipe down the emerald palms.

You can use water to do this, but it’s not ideal. The liquid may break down the waxy layer over time. For that reason, dry scrubbing is usually the best way to go.

5. Fertilizer & Soil

When it comes to soil, ZZ plants aren’t all that picky. They’ll grow in whatever medium is available, as long as it’s well-drained.

For example, you can grow the florae in a mixture of soil and other composite material. You may even add a bit of sand to increase the porousness of the medium.

As for fertilizers, emerald palms don’t usually rely on them to grow. That’s because these plants can make do with whatever nutrients already exist in the soil.

Although, if you want your plants to grow quickly, you can add a few splashes of liquid fertilizer. It’s also possible to use normal plant fertilizers, but you’ll need to dilute them with water first.

6. Repotting

Repotting ZZ plants is a simple process, but it does involve a few steps:

Step 1: Remove the Soil

The first part of this process is removing as much soil as you can from the pot. To do that, you can use a small garden shovel to scoop out the loose growing medium.

Then, hold on tightly to the plant and tip the pot over to empty it.

Step 2: Clean Your ZZ Plant

Once you get all the soil out, you can slowly remove the roots from the pot. If you face any resistance during this part, stop what you’re doing and grab your shovel.

Use it to inspect the roots and make sure there aren’t any structures stuck to the pot. Removing the plant with force may damage some of its vital organs, so be as gentle as possible.

After that, it’s time for a quick rinse. 

Turn on your water faucet at the lowest speed setting. Next, slide the plants, roots-and-all, under the running tap.

Allow the water to flow down the Zanzibar gem and remove any leftover soil. Finally, set your plant aside for about 15 minutes to dry.

Step 3: Prepare Your New Pot

While the plant dries, you can turn your attention to your new pot. First off, you want to disinfect the vessel with a little rubbing alcohol.

This will ensure that there are no microorganisms living in the pot. Then, add a two-inch layer of soil to the bottom of the vessel.

Step 4: Repotting Your ZZ Plant

Now, you’re ready to place the ZZ plant in its new home. Use one hand to lift your emerald palm and slowly guide the roots into the pot.

After that, using your free hand, pick up a little soil and scoop it into place to support the roots. Keep doing that until the entire pot is full to the brim.

Lastly, give the vessel a generous watering to compact and settle the soil. It’s not a good idea to pat down the growing medium with your hands to avoid breaking any roots.

7. Growing in Garden

Since ZZ plants are pretty forgiving, you can even decide to grow them in an outdoor garden. However, there are a few considerations you have to make first.

For starters, ensure that the temperature doesn’t drop below 60°F during the winter. Other than that, you have to keep the Zanzibar gems away from direct sunlight.

Ideally, you’ll want to grow these plants in a greenhouse. If that’s not an option, then place the florae under a large structure to provide a bit of shade.

How and When to Prune ZZ Plants 

Pruning is an essential part of taking care of any plant. It’s how we keep them looking fresh and in tip-top shape.

For this process, you’ll need a pair of sharp gardening shears. Then, before you make any cuts, you should give the emerald palms a good once-over.

As you do that, check for any yellowing leaves or shriveled stems.

You must inspect the plants first and mark any areas you wish to prune. That way, you reduce the risk of damaging the florae as you work.

After that, grab your shears and snip off any areas you marked. Remember, once you make a cut, you can’t take it back. So, make sure to prune small sections at a time.

While the process is simple, it can be a little finicky. Luckily, ZZ plants don’t need frequent pruning. On average, ZZ plants need a shape-up once every one or two months.

Problems With ZZ Plants

Because of how resilient ZZ plants are, they’re resistant to most pests and diseases. However, they still face a couple of issues.

The most serious problem with emerald palms is root rot. Since these plants prefer dry soil, over-watering can cause the roots to soften and break down.

When that happens, fungi and bacteria can grow in the soil, and cause an infection. To get around this issue, you can follow the repotting process with one extra step.

While you wash the plants, you can grab your shears and cut out any decaying roots. These structures will have a yellow hue and are mushy to the touch.

Other than that, ZZ plants may fall victim to mealybugs. Infestations may be rare, but they can occur.

How to Propagate ZZ Plants

There are two methods to propagate ZZ plants. The easier process involves finding the rhizomes. 

These are the bulbous portions of the roots. All you have to do is dig out your plant and look for any sections that are particularly large and hard.

Once you locate them, use your shears to snip them out. Then, it’s as simple as planting the rhizomes in a fresh batch of soil.

Besides that, you can use the ZZ stems to create new plants.

Pick a stem from your plant that has about five or six leaves. Then, cut the stalk off at the base, making sure to preserve all the foliage.

Next, place the entire stem in a large jar of water, and wait for it to sprout. As soon as you see roots shooting out of the bottom, the vegetation is ready to plant.

Why Should You Grow ZZ Plants?

There are a few reasons people decide to grow ZZ plants. First off, they’re incredibly sturdy. They can go months without any water or fertilization.

Other than that, Zanzibar gems are quite stunning. The broad leaves can add a warm and inviting feel to any space.

Finally, some people grow these plants because they consider it good luck. They like to think that the resilience of ZZs will rub off on other aspects of their lives.

Facts About ZZ Plants

Let’s take a look at some ZZ plant facts:

How Big Does a ZZ Plant Get?

Zanzibar gems have a pretty moderate size for indoor plants. On average, they can reach a height of about four feet, and a width of around three feet.

After that, the foliage will continue to grow, but incredibly slowly. 

What Are ZZ Plants Good For?

Other than being decorative, ZZ plants have a couple of benefits. The main one is that the leaves are able to purify the air.

They can absorb toxic materials from the atmosphere and break them down.

Aside from that, many people believe that ZZ plants can attract positive energy. This will help create a calm environment and can reduce stress levels.

Are ZZ Plants Poisonous?

The simple answer to this question is yes. These plants are toxic and direct contact may cause irritation or rashes in rare cases.

However, they’re only truly poisonous when ingested. That means that as long as you don’t eat the plants, you should have no issues taking care of them.

Are ZZ Plants Poisonous to Pets?

Yes, ZZ plants are incredibly toxic to pets. If a furry friend chews on any part of the florae, it could cause a severe allergic reaction.

For that reason, it’s best to keep Zanzibar gems on a high shelf, away from the ground.

How Fast Do ZZ Plants Grow?

Typically, a healthy ZZ plant can grow anywhere between four and six inches a month. That’s until it reaches full maturity.

After that, the plant will focus on making new leaves rather than extending in length.

Common FAQs

How Much Light Do ZZ Plants Need?

ZZ plants need indirect, bright light to grow. Although they can also survive with minimal sun.

As a general rule, you want to keep the florae away from harsh sunlight. Any other conditions should be sufficient to keep the plants healthy.

What Is Special About ZZ Plants?

There are a few features that make ZZ plants stand out. For example, they can purify the air, attract positive energy, and create a calming space.

Other than that, they’re incredibly easy to take care of, with almost no maintenance.

Are ZZ Plants Good Indoor Plants?

Yes, Zanzibar gems can thrive indoors without facing any issues. As long as they get enough sunlight and water, these plants can grow in any environment.

Can ZZ Plants Survive in Low Light?

Thanks to their increased resilience, emerald palms can survive in low light conditions. However, their growth rate will diminish.

Instead of growing six inches a month, the increase in length will be closer to three inches.

Why Don’t ZZ Plants Grow?

Two factors greatly impact the growth rate of ZZ plants; These are water content and sunlight concentration.

If either of them is off balance, chances are your plants may stop growing altogether.

Summary

Figuring out how to care for ZZ plants can be a little tricky. Many factors can affect how well the foliage grows.

These include aspects like sunlight, water, humidity, and temperature. Other than that, you have to be aware of how to clean, prune, and repot your plants to keep them healthy.

Finally, learning how to propagate ZZs will help you expand your plant collection.