ZZ plants, also known as Zanzibar gems, are low-maintenance houseplants with glossy, oval-shaped, broad leaves that grow upward. People frequently believe them to be fake because the leaves are so waxy and dark green. They take a long time to mature, so you won’t have to move them very often
ZZ Plant Care Tips & Growing Guide
ZZ plants are known for being low-maintenance and easy-to-care-for houseplants that even the worst gardeners can take care of with little effort. They only need enough light and a little water every two weeks to do well. But don’t worry too much if you forget to water your ZZ plant. Its rhizomes help it store water in the soil, which makes it a plant that can survive in dry conditions. Even though it grows well outside in Africa, it does better inside in other places. If you want to grow it outside, plant it in a pot that you can bring inside when the weather gets cold.
As dust builds up, ZZ plants’ naturally shiny leaves can lose their shine over time. Never use a commercial leaf shine to clean the leaves of a Zanzibar gem because it will clog the plant’s pores. Use a damp washcloth to gently wipe away dust and dirt to bring back its shine.
Water
The strong rhizomes of these plants make them very resistant to drought and able to survive with little water. In general, you should water ZZ plants when the soil is completely dry, which is usually once every two weeks depending on how they are growing. It’s better not to water your plant enough than to water it too much. When you water, make sure there is enough water that it runs out of the bottom of the pot.
Light
ZZ plants can grow in a wide range of lighting conditions, which makes them good for growing indoors. The plants can grow in low light, but they do best in bright, indirect light. But if there isn’t enough light, the plants can quickly get tall and thin. Direct sunlight can burn your plants’ leaves, so stay away from them.
Humidity And Temperature
Gems from Zanzibar can handle the temperature and humidity of a typical home. ZZ plants can live in temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so don’t put them near drafts or places in your home that are especially cold. ZZ plants don’t need to be kept in a humid environment, but if your home is on the dry side, you could buy a humidifier or put the plant on a tray of water to increase the humidity.
Feeding
Most ZZ plants don’t need to be fertilized often to grow well. But if you want your plant to get bigger or stronger, you should use diluted indoor plant fertilizer to feed it once or twice during its growing season.
Repotting
ZZ plants should only be repotted when they have outgrown their container. This is typically evident when the rhizomes are pressed against the edge of the container or are distorting the container’s shape. It may also exhibit signs of stress if its roots have become constricted. As with the majority of houseplants, it is generally best to wait until spring or summer to repot the plants, as they will be better able to tolerate disturbances during the active growing period. Choose a container for your Zanzibar gem that has drainage holes.
Propagating
The two most common ways for ZZ plants to spread are through division and stem cuttings. The easiest way to make more plants is to divide them. When you repot your plant, just pull out the rhizomes and put them in separate pots.
Using stem cuttings to spread a plant takes longer than dividing it, and roots may not start to grow for six to nine months.
- Cut the whole stalk, including the leaflets, with a clean, razor-sharp cutting tool.
- Take the bottom leaves off the stem and put them in a jar of water.
- Place where there is indirect light Roots should start to grow in a few months. By changing the water once a week, bacteria can’t grow.
Toxicity
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a popular houseplant that is known for its low maintenance requirements and tough disposition. However, the ZZ plant is also poisonous to humans and pets if ingested. The poisonous component of the plant is called calcium oxalate, which is found in all parts of the plant.
Symptoms of ZZ plant poisoning include burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat; difficulty swallowing; drooling; and vomiting. If you suspect that your child or pet has ingested a ZZ plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. While the majority of cases are relatively minor, ingestion of a large amount of the plant can lead to more serious health complications. By keeping this information in mind, you can enjoy your ZZ plant without worry!
Common Pests
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like mealybugs, scale, fungus gnats, and aphids, which could infest this plant. Most of these pest problems can be solved by using soap that kills insects.
Common Problems
The most common problem you might have with a Zanzibar gem is how much water it is getting. If the plant’s leaves are falling off, it is very thirsty and needs water. If the plant’s leaves are turning yellow and falling off at the same time, it probably has too much water. If the top 3 inches of soil (about the length of your index finger) are dry, the plant needs water.
FAQ
How Hard Is It To Take Care Of Zanzibar Gems?
People say that ZZ plants are impossible to kill because they can live in bad conditions and don’t get cared for. This makes them a great plant for people who are just starting out with indoor gardening.
How Quickly Does The ZZ Grow?
This plant doesn’t grow very quickly. It also grows in spurts of two inches or more at a time or more over the course of a season. It does, however, make a few new stems every year.
How Long Does A ZZ Plant Usually Live?
ZZ plants are a sturdy variety that will endure a long time. ZZ plants, also known as heirloom plants, can be handed down through many generations.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the ZZ plant is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant that doesn’t require much sunlight. It’s perfect for people who are new to keeping plants or who don’t have a green thumb. If you’re interested in adding one of these beauties to your home, be sure to keep the following tips in mind: give it plenty of water (but not too much), make sure it has good drainage, and fertilize it every few months. And if you find that your ZZ plant is losing its leaves, don’t worry—that’s perfectly normal!
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