ZZ Plant Grow Guide
The ZZ plant will give you a BANG for your BUCK. This garden beauty can really withstand drought conditions and still look as beautiful and healthy as ever. The scientific name for the ZZ plants is Zamioculas Zamiiffolia, now I don’t want you to get tongue twisted trying to pronounce this name so we will just stick to ZZ which is so easy.
The ZZ plant is a tropical plant that is native to eastern Africa, the ZZ plant is also a perennial plant which means you can care for this garden beauty from year to year with amazing results. The leaves of the ZZ plant are green, small, and glossy, I have had success with them over the years creating beautiful designs installing them with other garden plants, or planting them as a stand-alone or specimen plant.
In this article, we will be looking at how to grow the ZZ plant both out and indoors, trust me you will be amazed at how easy these plants are to care for, and hopefully by the end of this article you will be convinced to invest in this plant that is so easy to grow. With that said here, we grow.
Things you must know
Planting Location
If installing the ZZ plant outdoors it is best to install it in an area that is partially shaded or gets indirect sunlight.
Soil Type
Since the ZZ plant is drought tolerant it is best to install your plant in soil that is well-drained.
Watering Methods
The ZZ plant can go weeks without water but as a rule, I would water my ZZ plant once a week moistening the soil. During hotter periods twice a week. Ensure that the soil is dry to the touch before giving your ZZ another drink.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilize your ZZ plant with 5-5-5 liquid feed. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the ZZ plant
The only garden insect pests that I have come across are scale insects although I’ve heard that you should also keep an eye out for aphids and mealybugs. The use of insecticidal soap will bring these garden insect pests under control.
Diseases of the ZZ plant
As far as disease is concerned just be careful of the amount of water you are giving your ZZ plant. If you overwater your ZZ plant you will notice signs of the leaves turning yellow and falling off, this is because the soil is saturated with water which will encourage root rot.
Ideas on where to install the ZZ plant
- The ZZ plant can be installed in containers and placed on your porch or patios. The area of your porch or patio where your ZZ plants are placed should get indirect sunlight or an area that is partially shaded.
- Installing your ZZ plant under shaded trees with filtered sunlight is a great idea.
- Install these garden beauties indoors in an area that gets indirect or low light
Container grown ZZ plant
When growing ZZ plants in containers the potting soil should be well-drained. The containers should have drain holes to allow water to runoff. As discussed earlier place containers in indirect sunlight to partially shaded areas. Fertilizer and water as mentioned above and keep an eye out for garden insect pests as was discussed also.
Growing ZZ plants indoors
Growing ZZ plant indoors is so easy, these plants can be seen in malls, hotel lobbies, restaurants business offices, etc… I have had success with them over the years growing and caring for them indoors. Follow the planting guide above when it comes to container gardening. Containers should have drain holes, water, fertilize as mentioned and keep an eye out for garden insect pests and treat as discussed.
The leaves of the ZZ plant is naturally glossy but tends to get dusty when indoors. Keep your ZZ plant clean with a feather duster or use a damp cloth and gently wipe the leaves. Place your ZZ plant in an area that gets indirect bright light or a low light area. If the ZZ plant is exposed to bright light the leaves will burn.
If the leaves are turning brown it may be that the humidity level needs to be adjusted to meet the needs of your ZZ plants. Misting the leaves will help in creating the humidity that your ZZ plant needs. Add water to a 32 oz spray bottle and adjust the nozzle where the water comes out fine and misty will help.
The leaflets that have turned completely yellow should be removed from the base of the plant. The ZZ plant is a slow grower so patience is needed when growing and caring for, the good news is this is one reason why this plant is low maintenance.
Additional Information
1. When installing the ZZ plant with other garden plants it is best to install plants that are also drought-tolerant or has the same water requirements as the ZZ plant. If installing ZZ plants with plants whose watering needs are different ( high maintenance plants, garden plants that require more water ) then either two things can happen.
Either water the ZZ the seem as, the high maintenance plant or vice versa, in either case, you will have a problem on your hands. One will suffer at the expense of the other so the smart thing to do is to group your ZZ plants with other plants whose water and light requirements are the same.
2. ZZ plants are known as an air purifier pulling toxins out of the air so having a few of them indoors would be of great benefit.
3. The ZZ plant is believed to cause skin irritation in some people.
4. The ZZ plant is said to be toxic so keep this plant out of the reach of children and pets.
The Final word
The ZZ plant is an easy plant that is worth every dollar. This is a great plant to invest in I assure you, you will be happy that you did as you add this plant to your garden design or place them indoors. So join the thousands who are taking advantage of these garden beauties. The ZZ plant a garden beauty that is worth the investment.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Greetings to youthank you for postingI like the way you are explaining in your post about this plant and the nature I think you have to water every day so you can succeed but the way you are explaining you i like i think i will try in the same way as you have explained to me in your post, I expect even more posts from you to those that are important to me to learn new things about nature and how to care in
Hello so happy to meet you. The zz plant is so amazing it is great to have around the house. I am so happy that I could help and will do my best to keep you updated. All the best to you and have a good day.
I have actually come across ZZ plants and they were absolutely nice and beautiful. I did not know that they were actually called ZZ plants until I accidentally recently came across an article that talked about it. I would definitely love to grow these and from your explanation, it does seem that they are better grown indoors and its maintenance seems fairly easy.
I don’t have a garden to put these and the place I stay might not encourage it but having this indoors would be just nice and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Thanks for the info
Hello, Jay, these plants are really amazing and so easy to maintain. So happy that I could help and wishing you all the best of success. Have a good day.
My gardening area is very small and zz plant would be a good choice for me. It would be a good fit for me as it doesn’t require regular watering. Your guide is very helpful and thorough. I can grow this plant indoor as well but as it is toxic and not skin friendly, I would be very careful. Thanks for sharing all this information.
Hello so happy to see you, the zz plant is pretty amazing an so easy to care for. There have been some reports of skin irritation and toxic problems. As for me I have worked with these plants for years and have never had a problem. But still, it is good to take precaution. Also, keep this plant out of the reach of children and pets just to be on the safe side. Hope this help and have a good day.