Zamioculcas zamiifolia, the ZZ Plant, is one of the toughest houseplants available, prized for its glossy, dark-green, feather-like leaves and upright, architectural form. It grows from thick rhizomes that store water, so it tolerates drought, low light and general neglect, making it perfect for busy people and dim corners. The waxy leaves stay shiny and attractive with almost no care. Slow-growing and long-lived, the ZZ Plant suits tabletops, desks and floor pots in homes and offices across India. A trendy 'Raven' variety offers near-black foliage. Reliable, stylish and famously hard to kill.
Specifications
| Family |
Araceae |
| Native region |
Eastern Africa |
| Mature height |
0.4-1 m |
| Mature spread |
0.4-0.8 m |
| Growth rate |
Slow |
| Foliage |
Glossy dark-green, feather-like compound leaves |
| Flower colour |
Greenish spathe (rare indoors) |
| Flower season |
Rarely flowers indoors |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Low to bright indirect light; very adaptable |
| Watering |
Water sparingly when soil is mostly dry |
| Soil / mix |
Very well-draining mix with perlite and sand |
| Temperature |
18-30 C; protect below 12 C |
| Humidity |
Tolerates dry to average humidity |
| Fertilizer |
Light feed every 1-2 months in growing season |
| Pruning |
Remove old or damaged stems at base |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years; tolerates being rootbound |
| Propagation |
Division or leaf and stem cuttings (slow) |
| Pests & problems |
Rarely; occasional mealybugs or scale |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
Low-maintenance decorative plant for low-light corners, desks and offices. A near-indestructible air-purifying choice for beginners and travellers.
Growing tips
The biggest risk is overwatering, so let the soil dry out well between waterings, especially in winter. In India it thrives in low to medium light and tolerates dry indoor air with ease.