ZZ plant is a low maintenance houseplant that is characterised by its shiny, oval-shaped deep green leaves. The botanical name of this plant is Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. These plants are known for their tremendous ability to purify the indoor air which makes them excellent houseplants. ZZ plants are very easy to care for plants and very forgiving plants. Let’s look at their care and Propagation requirements.
ZZ plant is also known as Zanzibar gem, Zuzu plant, Zee Zee plant, aroid palm, The Answer Tree, eternity plant or emerald palm.
Zanzibar Gem Plant Care
Light
Zanzibar gem plants are tolerant to a wide range of lighting conditions. While these plants can happily survive without any natural light, they do best in bright, indirect light and can become leggy when not given enough light. Avoid direct sun exposure as this can scorch the leaves of the plants.
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Soil
ZZ plants are not fuzzy about their soil mixture. But always make sure that the potting mixture is well-draining because the roots of the plant can store enough water in them. Excess of water can cause root rot. For this reason, you can add extra perlite, coarse sand or pumice in the regular soil mix or use Succulent soil mix to provide extra drainage to the soil medium. ZZ plants do not like to sit in wet soil therefore make sure, that the pot has enough drainage holes to allow excess water to seep through.
Water Requirements
ZZ plants are extremely drought tolerant and can handle infrequent watering and this is because of the rhizomes that have the ability to store enough water in them. Therefore, water the plant when the soil dries out completely. ZZ plants can survive for months without water. It is better to underwater rather than overwater to avoid root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Average household temperature and humidity are fine for ZZ plants. ZZ plants do not tolerate freezing cold temperatures, therefore, avoid placing them in locations close to cold drafts.
Fertilization requirement for ZZ Plant
ZZ plants do not require fertilizing to thrive. But to keep the plants healthy, you can fertilize them once or twice during the growing season with diluted half-strength liquid fertilizer. Seaweed solution can also be used for the same.
ZZ Plant Toxicity
ZZ plants are toxic to humans and pets (dogs, cats etc) if ingested as the leaves of the plant contains Calcium Oxalate crystals in it which can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach.
If you are looking for non-toxic or safe plants for your home, visit this link for all plants which are non-toxic to humans and pets.
And visit this link for some of the Toxic plants you should be careful with.
Pests
These plants are quite resistant to mealy bugs, scales, Aphids, spider mites etc. But if infected, use Neem Oil solution to get rid of them.
ZZ Plant Repotting
ZZ plants should be repotted once they have outgrown their previous pot. This is usually evident when the rhizomes start bulging out from the plastic pot or distort the shape of the container. ZZ plants like to be root bound. Always repot your plant during the growing season.
Zanzibar Gem Propagation Steps
ZZ plants propagate in two ways: Through Division and through cuttings (Stem or leaf)
- Propagation through Division: This is the simplest way to make more ZZ plants out of one plant. Simply separate the rhizomes when you repot the plant and plant in a separate container.
- Propagate by cuttings: ZZ plants can be propagated through leaf cuttings or stem cutting. Make sure the leaf is big and mature to be able to give out roots. Take the cutting and place it in water. Once the roots develop, transfer them to the soil.
See this link for more House Plants care and propagation tips.
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