BOTANICAL NAME: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
COMMON NAME: Zanzibar Gem
ORIGIN: East Africa
GOOD FOR: Beginner plant parents
HEIGHT: Up to 3 ft
LIGHT: Does well in medium to lower light situations. Will continue to grow, though more slowly, in lower light situations. Will not tolerate harsh, mid-day sunshine.
WINDOW PREFERENCE: East and west windows work best.
WATER: Water only when soil is dry. Water around the base of the plant until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. At this point you can stop. Check weekly, though it is likely that your plant will not need to be watered more than once or twice a month.
HUMIDITY: Basic household humidity.
TEMPERATURE: Prefers to be above 60 degrees.
SOIL / REPOTTING: Requires a well-draining soil. Repot your plant once your ZZ has grown within a ½” of your pot’s edge.
PLANT FOOD: Feed twice a year, at the beginning and end of the growing season. We recommend using Joyful Dirt Houseplant Plant Food.
PRUNING: Prune away yellowing leaflets. Cut back overgrown stems.
PESTS: Aphids are attracted to ZZ plant sap. Aphids will leave yellow marks on plant leaves. Wipe leaves with a mild soap and hot water solution.
TOXICITY: All parts of this plant are toxic. Keep away from children and pets! Wash your hands after handling to avoid skin irritation.
ANGRY PLANT PROBLEMS: Yellow leaves – Your plant is drowning. Cut back on the water. You may want to invest in a water meter to help gauge when it’s time to water. Dropping leaves – Your plant needs water. The ZZ drops leaves to conserve moisture in times of drought.
INTERESTING FACT: Because the ZZ is a tropical perennial plant native to eastern Africa, it has developed a large potato like rhizome that stores water during a drought. This plant is extremely drought tolerant.
