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​​​​​ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

  • Common Name: ZZ Plant (other common names: Zamioculcas Species, Aroid Palm, Succulent Philodendron, Zanzibar Gem)
  • Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
  • Family Name: Araceae
  • Origin: Africa
  • Height: 2’ – 3’
  • Width: 2’ – 3’
  • Growth: slow (growth rate will depend on how much light and water it receives.)
  • Zone: 9A - 11
  • Light Needs: Light Shade to full shade
  • Salt Tolerance:  Low
  • Soil/PH/Texture: It is not fussy about what type of soil is used if it is well-drained. Acidic – neutral (pH 5.6 – 7.5)
  • Soil Moisture: It can survive periods of drought but will grow better with moderate watering every week or two. However, do not to let the roots sit in water or else it may get root rot.
  • Drought Tolerance: moderate - its rhizomatous roots allow it to store water that helps it survive periodic drought-like conditions that it experiences in its native habitats in eastern Africa.
  • Pests/Diseases: very resistant to diseases and insects
  • Growing Conditions: low maintenance - it tolerates neglect and has an adaptability to challenging growing conditions.
  • Characteristics: It has bold, tropical look with glossy, waxy, green leaflets arranged along upright stems, each leaf with 6-8 pairs of elliptic leaflets, very similar to many cycads. It can flower with bright yellow/bronze/brown flowers around mid-summer to early autumn, but the blooms are tiny and not incredibly attractive, it is grown more for its beautiful foliage.
  • Propagation: easily by leaf cuttings or by dividing its potato looking rhizomes. Flowers are sterile so it does not seed.
  • Wildlife: unknown
  • Facts: NASA studies have found that this plant purifies the air and is adept at removing copious amounts of toxins such as toluene, xylene, and benzene from the air. The ZZ plant was named a Florida Plant of the Year by FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association) more than one time because it was considered so impressive. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation, so it is recommended to wear gloves when transplanting or taking cuttings.
  • Designer Considerations: Can be used as a border plant, accent plant, in a garden bed or in a pot on your patio.​

ZZ Plant

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