ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Overview

The ZZ plant, scientifically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is prized by gardeners for its exceptional tolerance to neglect and low-light conditions. This distinctive, slow-growing herbaceous perennial features thick, fleshy stems rising from rhizomes, supporting pinnately compound leaves covered in glossy, dark green leaflets. Its architecture provides a strong vertical accent, making it a staple for contemporary or shaded landscapes.

Originating from the dry grasslands and forests of Eastern and Southern Tropical Africa, the Zamioculcas zamiifolia stores water in its rhizomes, enabling it to withstand periods of drought. This hardiness, combined with its elegant, architectural appearance, cements the ZZ plant’s reputation as one of the most forgiving houseplants available today, though it performs beautifully outdoors in warm climates too.

While often grown primarily for its foliage, mature ZZ plants will occasionally produce small, inconspicuous flowers. These blooms take the form of a white spadix encased by a green spathe, typical of the Araceae family. Its overall low maintenance requirements and robust nature mean the ZZ plant offers consistent, reliable greenery without demanding constant attention from the gardener.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Araceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Eastern and southern tropical Africa
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: White spadix with green spathe
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For perennial planting outdoors, establish the ZZ plant in late spring after all danger of frost has passed, ensuring the location offers part shade to full shade. This plant requires medium moisture and well-drained soils. While it performs well in various shaded areas, avoid intense midday sun which can scorch the leaves.

In terms of routine care, the key to success with Zamioculcas zamiifolia is restraint in watering. Plants should be watered regularly enough to keep the soil consistently moist, but critically, allow the surface soils to dry out completely between applications. Avoid wet or soggy soils, as these conditions lead to rhizome rot, which is the most common failure point for this otherwise tough plant.

Since this species is winter hardy only to USDA Zones 9-10, gardeners outside this range must treat it as a container plant or bring it indoors when temperatures threaten to dip below 60 degrees F in the fall. Propagation is straightforward, achievable through simple leaf cuttings or by dividing the fleshy rhizomes during repotting.

Landscape Uses

The recommendation for ZZ plant usage is primarily as a reliable houseplant north of USDA Zone 9, where it excels in low-light interiors under artificial or indirect light. However, within its compatible zones (9-10), Zamioculcas zamiifolia provides excellent texture and structure along shaded borders or beneath taller shrubs and trees where sunlight is limited.

When planting outdoors, treat the ZZ plant almost like a tropical groundcover or specimen highlight. Its upright, glossy spikes contrast beautifully against softer, broad-leafed shade perennials. Consider pairing it with hostas, ferns, or other tropical-looking foliage plants to enhance the lush, shaded garden feel created by the Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

For container groupings, the ZZ plant anchors vertical interest beautifully. Its tolerance for being root-bound means it adapts well to patio pots, where it requires the same attention to excellent drainage as it does in the ground.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly called ZZ plant or aroid palm, is an aroid family member that is native to dry grassland and forest in Eastern Africa. It is a stemless evergreen plant that typically grows to 3’ tall with attractive, pinnately compound leaves rising up from its rhizomes. Each leaf has 6-8 pairs of elliptic, glossy green leaflets (to 6” long).

Tolerances

• None listed

Potential Problems

The ZZ plant generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems when grown correctly. The primary threat is overwatering, leading to fungal issues and rhizome rot. To prevent this, always ensure the soil medium is well-draining and adheres strictly to the practice of allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. If the plant looks suddenly soft or yellowed near the base, cease watering immediately and check the soil moisture depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is ZZ plant suitable for?

The ZZ plant is winter hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 9 through 10.

How large does ZZ plant grow?

This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a mature height of 2 to 3 feet, with a corresponding spread of 2 to 3 feet.

What sun exposure does ZZ plant need?

Zamioculcas zamiifolia thrives best planted in filtered light, preferring a location that offers part shade to full shade conditions.

When does ZZ plant bloom?

The ZZ plant is noted as a seasonal bloomer, producing a flower structure described as a white spadix with a green spathe.

Conclusion

The ZZ plant remains a top choice for gardeners needing robust texture and dependable, low-effort growth, whether utilized indoors or as an exotic accent in warm climates. Its unique tolerance for dryness and shade makes Zamioculcas zamiifolia invaluable for difficult spots. Plan your planting schedule by confirming your regional hardiness zone compatibility before placing this resilient beauty outside.

Companion Planting

For landscape settings in Zones 9 and 10, companion planting with the ZZ plant enhances the visual appeal of shaded areas. Choose plants that share similar architectural requirements—namely, shade tolerance and a preference for consistent, well-drained moisture. Hostas, Caladiums, and Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant) pair perfectly, offering contrasting leaf shapes (broad vs. narrow/glossy) while sharing similar cultural needs for low light.

Container Growing

Growing ZZ plant in containers offers maximum flexibility, especially for gardeners in cooler climates who must overwinter their plants indoors. When using pots, choose an unglazed ceramic or terracotta container, as these materials help wick away excess moisture, mitigating the risk of root rot inherent with the ZZ plant’s medium water needs. Always use a porous potting mix amended with extra perlite or grit to ensure superior drainage required by the rhizomatous structure of Zamioculcas zamiifolia.