ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia · Araceae
📷 User:WeFt · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Zamioculcas : ingestion des feuilles et rhizomes cause irritation buccale sévère, troubles digestifs chez chats/chiens et enfants ; sève irritante au contact cutané.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant zz plant: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Family
- Araceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, compound and glossy
- Mature height
- Up to 100 cm
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Tender (min. 12–15 °C)
- Origin
- East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya)
- Form
- Herbaceous, upright and compact
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Zamioculcas zamiifolia stores water in its rhizomes; one watering per month is enough. A well-draining pot is essential: it will gradually decline without it.
The common mistake
Watering it like a normal plant thinking it needs humidity: the rhizomes rot with two heavy waterings in a row.
The pro's trick
Test with your finger: only water if the top 5 cm of soil is dry.
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring–summer), allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. In autumn–winter, drastically reduce watering; the plant stores water in its rhizomes and fears excess moisture. Watering every 2 to 3 weeks is generally sufficient in winter.
Light
Place it in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It tolerates low-light office or interior environments well, but thrives better with filtered light. Avoid intense direct sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Soil and repotting
Prefer well-draining substrate, rich in light organic matter (universal potting mix amended with perlite or pumice). Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring. This plant dislikes waterlogging.
Fertilizer
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Stop fertilizing in autumn–winter. Zamioculcas doesn't demand much nutrition; excess minerals can tire it out.
Pruning and maintenance
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove yellow or damaged leaves. Dust the foliage regularly with a damp cloth to maintain its glossy appearance and plant health.
Diseases and pests
Very robust indoors. Watch for spider mites in dry air and mealybugs. Overwatering can promote root rot. Ventilate regularly and check pot drainage to prevent any issues.
Did you know?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia became extremely popular in interior decoration only from the 1990s onward, though it has been known in Africa for centuries. Its nickname "ZZ Plant" comes from its abbreviated scientific name, and its remarkable ability to thrive with little water and light has made it a staple in modern offices and poorly lit spaces.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.