Tropical

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Known as ZZ Plant, its glossy, low-maintenance leaves make it ideal for low-light homes and offices.

Overview

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is native to the dry forests of Eastern Africa.

Adapted to withstand drought, this plant thrives in warm, shaded environments and tolerates long periods between watering.

Plant Specifications
Botanical name	Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Common name	ZZ Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Eternity Plant
Family	Araceae
Genus	Zamioculcas
Plant type	Herbaceous (perennial)
Foliage	Evergreen
Maturity	3 to 5 years
Lifespan	15+ years
Native area	Kenya (Eastern Africa)
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and other animals

Plant resilience

Not flood
tolerant

Drought
tolerant

Growing season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Close-up showing its wax-coated foliage

Plant care

Zamioculcas zamiifolia tolerates low light, infrequent watering, and a wide range of indoor conditions. Its sturdy nature make it perfect for those seeking a long-lasting plant that maintains its lush appearance.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Light

Prefers bright indirect light, but it can adapt to lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can cause leaf burn.

Soil

Thrives in a well-draining mix, such as coarse sand, perlite, and cactus soil, mimicking its native arid conditions. These materials ensure proper drainage and help prevent water buildup around the roots.

Water

Water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the most common problem, often leading to root rot if not addressed promptly.

Humidity

Thrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally around 40%-60% or higher. It can tolerate dry air, making it suited for drier spaces.

Temperature

Best kept in a warm environment, ideally between 18-26°C (65-79°F). Avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as cold stress can damage the leaves.

Pruning

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim damaged or yellow leaves. This keeps the plant tidy and encourages new shoots from the rhizomes.

Fertilizer

Feed it with a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in autumn and pause it entirely during the winter, when the plant enters dormancy.

Propagation

This plant is propagated through leaf or stem cuttings. Trim a stem below a node and root it in water before moving to soil. For leaf cuttings, insert individual leaves into moist soil, where new rhizomes will gradually form over time.

Common pests

Pest-resistant but can occasionally attract pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Signs include webbing, sticky residue, or discolored spots, which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering both sides of the leaves.

Troubleshoot

Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage, while wrinkled leaves suggest prolonged dryness. If growth is unusually slow, provide more indirect light or repot if roots are crowded.

Detail of its thick and shiny leaves

More information

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a distinctive, long-lived indoor plant admired for its glossy leaves, drought tolerance, and structural beauty. Its low-maintenance nature and striking appearance make it popular with both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.

How is it so drought-tolerant?

This plant stores water in thick rhizomes beneath the soil, allowing it to survive extended dry periods. These rhizomes act as reservoirs, gradually releasing moisture to support growth even when the surface soil is dry.

This adaptation comes from its native habitat in the rocky, semi-arid regions of Eastern Africa, where rainfall is sparse and unpredictable. Because of this, Zamioculcas zamiifolia thrives with infrequent watering and is highly forgiving if you occasionally forget to water.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia's rare bloom

Does it bloom indoors?

Zamioculcas zamiifolia rarely flower indoors, and when they do, the blooms are small and understated. These flowers resemble those of other Araceae family members, like peace lilies, but are much less prominent.

Indoor growers usually appreciate this plant primarily for its glossy, upright leaves rather than its flowers.

Leaves unfurl in a flower-like pattern

Protective waxy coating on leaves

What makes its leaves so shiny?

The leaves of Zamioculcas zamiifolia have a natural waxy coating that serves several purposes. It helps reduce moisture loss, allowing the plant to withstand periods of drought, and forms a protective barrier against dust, dirt, and pests. This coating also gives the foliage a smooth, reflective surface that enhances the plant’s natural beauty, making it look vibrant and healthy even in low-light conditions.

Other plant care guides

Tropical

Dionaea muscipula

View all Plants

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Explore our selection of plant care resources, designed to guide you at every step of your green thumb journey.

Plant guides

Blog articles

Manage cookie preferences

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Overview