The ZZ plant is just an all around exceptional indoor plant. Also known as the Zanzibar Gem, this tropical wonder can survive in low light environments with very little water. ZZ's do not grow tall which make them perfect for a tight corner or a raised planter. Farm Life grows the ZZ in 10 inch pots at around 30 inches and in 14 inch pots at about 34 inches.
The meters below indicate a range of light and tolerance to drought. The ranges are indicated by the little light bulbs and the small water drops.
Light Instructions
Water Instructions
The ZZ is a very tough plant that should last a long time in an indoor environment. They need very little water, so only water when it is obvious the plants need water. The time-frame between watering could easily be a month or more. If the soil surface is maintained too wet, a bacterial soft rot may occur where the stems meet the soil. Remove any effected stems and let the soil dry if these conditions occur.
Since these plants survive for a long time and since soil will breakdown and become more compacted over time the plants will benefit from a re-pot once per year. Portions of a full plant can be removed to make room for new soil, or a plant can be separated into halves or quarters and each one given a new pot. Add an appropriate dose of a 6 month slow release fertilizer and some dolomite (garden lime) and your plants should be happy for another year. Dolomite supplies calcium and magnesium and will also stabilize the pH of the soil allowing for optimal use of fertilizer.
ZZ plants will grow roots from almost any part of the plant. Large older leaves can be carefully removed from the stem and planted in soil. Place about one third of the leave in the soil and keep slightly moist. The process is slow, but eventually a bulb will form at the base of the leaf and new shoots will grow from the bulb.
Scale can be removed with a systemic insecticide drench and hand cleaning. If pesticides are not an option, try horticultural oil directly sprayed onto the insects. A second and third treatment, if using oils, will be necessary. Space out the sprays at 3 week intervals to break up the mealybug life cycle. Both of these treatments together will be very effective.
Other Links:
Strelitzia nicolai 'White Bird'
Zamioculcas zamifolia 'ZZ'
Adonidia merrillii
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