Some plants are known to be easy-to-grow and are popular everywhere. One such plant – Zamioculcas zamiifolia or ZZ plant for short – is one of those plants that have stolen the hearts of plant hobbyists across the board. Beautifully glossy, drought-tolerant, and able to handle low-light conditions, this member of the aroid family is in almost every plant collection. ZZ plants are easy plants!
Originally from Africa and in the same family as anthuriums and philodendrons, the ZZ plant grows from underground stem-like rhizomes. It is the water-storing capacity of these rhizomes that helps the ZZ tolerate some drought. Best for bright, but indirect light, the ZZ plant slowly grows up to four-foot tall. We had one in our office that developed into a beautiful plant and eventually outgrew its site. Although our ZZ grew under artificial light, it could have done equally well under natural low light conditions that few houseplants would tolerate. Growth is slow enough to treat this plant almost like a bonsai. Also, fertilizations needs are low and may only require the addition of nutrients twice a year.
Easily propagated using stem cuttings or rhizome divisions, the cycad-like leaves make for a houseplant loved by all. Although not very tolerant of the cold, some people have used it as a landscape plant in warmer areas and microclimates. Easily chilled and damaged at thirty-two degrees F., ZZ should be in well-drained soil out of direct sun. If used in a shady landscape bed, the ZZ plant could be planted in pots sunk up to the rim, and mulched. In this manner – if there is a danger of a freeze – the pots can be easily plucked out of the planting bed and brought indoors. Mature plants can flower on occasion producing the typical aroid green spathe and fleshy spadix reminiscent of a jack-in-the-pulpit. Keep in mind that, due to calcium oxalate crystals, all parts of this plant are considered toxic.
Now while you see mostly green ZZ-plants, there are also many other less common types which can make for exciting collections. You may see a few that have darker foliage including one called ‘Dowan’ with attractive purple-black coloration. A couple of dwarf cultivars include ‘Zamicro’ at under two-feet tall, and ‘Zenzi’ which grows to no more than fifteen inches high. For a really different look seek out ‘Variegata’ with gold to variegated gold foliage, and ‘Zamia Albino’ with white to yellow-white leaves. Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Chameleon’ is another interesting cultivar featuring yellow and green patterns of variegation on the leaves. There are other patented ZZ plant cultivars available, so keep your eye out on-line or at your local garden center for availability.
So, if you like houseplants, do not have much light in your house and are not known for a “green thumb”, perhaps the ZZ plant is for you. The glossy foliage and easy care make the ZZ plant a top houseplant choice. For more information on all types of houseplant topics, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2026) ZZ Plant. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Henny, R. J. & Chen, J. (2016) Florida Foliage House Plant Care: ZZ Plant. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, Inc (2026) ZZ Plant. https://www.pslbg.org/zz-plant/.
Green, J. (2025) 13 Gorgeous Types of ZZ Plants and Their Care Guide. Positivebloom https://positivebloom.com/types-of-zz-plants/.
Bailey, P. (2026) 25 Types of ZZ Plants (With Pictures). Houseplant Alley. https://houseplantalley.com/types-of-zz-plants/.
Biology Insights (2026) Can a ZZ Plant Kill You? What to Know About Its Toxicity. https://biologyinsights.com/can-a-zz-plant-kill-you-what-to-know-about-its-toxicity/ .
Picot, M. (2024) How to Propagate ZZ Plants (Using 3 Methods). TheGrowingLeaf. https://thegrowingleaf.com/how-to-propagate-zz-plants-using-3-methods/ .
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