1. Common Name: ZZ Plant, Aroid palm, Fat Boy, Eternity Plant
Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Lighting: Bright to Moderate
Watering: Low
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an easy to grow houseplant. It seems to handle neglect and
miss-care very well. The ZZ plant is characterized by stems radiating shiny, dark green foliage. The
ZZ plant is a slow grower therefore do not expect large amounts of growth to come from this
houseplant. In outdoor or greenhouse situations it appears to grow faster. The average height for
the ZZ plant is approximately 15-30 inches, however I have seen some up to 3 feet.
The ZZ plant prefers bright, indirect light; however it can grow fairly well in low light situations as
well. Keep in mind, in bright, indirect light, this houseplant will do even better. Do not place this
plant in direct sunlight though as its foliage can burn fairly easily. Keep direct light exposed to the
plant filtered.
The ZZ plant likes to have its soil on the dryer side of things. Do not allow the plant to sit in water
or the soil to stay moist. If the foliage begins to yellow, chances are you're overwatering the plant.
Your ZZ plant should only need watering once every 2 weeks or more. Others have said once a
month is sufficient.
This houseplant can be kept outdoors if temperatures stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However
do keep in mind that it should be placed in an area where direct sunlight is limited.
I have not taken cuttings from this houseplant, however others I've read say you take a leaf cutting
and place it within soil and it grows, thus giving you an endless supply of houseplants!!
This is a poisonous houseplant so please don't allow children or pets to eat it.

2. Tips For Caring For A ZZ Plant
If ever there was the perfect plant for the ultimate brown thumb, the easy zz plant is it. This
virtually indestructible houseplant can take months and months of neglect and low light and still
look amazing.
Previously, the zz plant would only be found in planters in malls and large office buildings where
they would frequently be mistaken for fake plants, partially because they needed so little care and
always looked healthy. But in recent years, they have found their way onto the shelves of both big
box and hardware stores where anyone can purchase one. This has led to many people
wondering how to grow zz plants. The short answer is that it takes very little effort.
Learn About the Zz Plant
The zz plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) gets its common name from its botanical name.
AsZamioculcas zamiifolia was long and difficult to say, many nursery workers simply shortened it
to Zz
Zz plant stems grow in a graceful, wand-like shape that starts thick and bulbous at the base and
then tapers to a point. Along the stem are fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that make the plant look like
stylized feathers. The entire plant has a waxy, shiny coating that makes it appear to resemble
those made of plastic. Between the sculptural qualities of the plant and its waxy coating, it is not
uncommon for people to insist that it must be an artificial plant.
How to Grow Zz Plants
Zz plants do best in bright to moderate, indirect light but will do fine in extremely low levels of
light. This plant makes an ideal plant for a window-less office or bathroom where it will only
receive small amounts of fluorescent light. While zz plants can take direct light, you may see
some scalding on the leaves if it is left in direct light.
Caring for a Zz Plant
Zz plant care starts with a lack of care. In fact, zz plants will do better if you leave them alone.
Much like cacti, they need less rather than more water. Water the plant only when the soil has
dried out. The rare way you can kill this plant is to over water it. A zz plant turning yellow means
that it is getting too much water and its underground rhizomes may be rotting. So if you

3. remember nothing else about caring for a zz plant, just remember to forget to water it. It can
survive months without water, but will grow faster if watered somewhat regularly.
Zz plants are happy without fertilizer, but if you would like, you can give the plants half strength
fertilizer 1-2 times a year and only in the summer months.
Growing zz houseplants is easy and especially suited for the forgetful gardener.
Green Thumb Tip
Although ZZ plant will tolerate dry soil, it will likely drop its leaves if left too dry, too long.
Water regularly -- every couple weeks or so -- to keep it healthy.
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ Plant has become increasingly popular in recent years and I believe it deserves all
the attention it's been getting.
The Aroid family has given us more dependable house plants than any other group
and Zamioculcas zamiifolia is no exception. This is a worthwhile house plant to add
to your collection.
ZZ makes a great room accent and practically thrives on neglect. This easy-going
house plant is forgiving if you forget to water, tolerates low light, and rarely needs
fertilized. Want more? It also seems to shrug off pests.
Growing from rhizomes, it has thick, upright stems bearing narrow, dark-green
glossy leaves. Keep the leaves clean by gently wiping them with a damp cloth. Don't
use leaf shine products, which can damage the plant.
Small, insignificant flowers -- consisting of a spadix surrounded by a spathe -- may
appear at the base of plants in summer, although ZZs rarely flower indoors.
A slow-grower indoors, ZZ plant rarely needs repotted. Keep it in a small pot (no
more than 2 in (5 cm) wider than the old pot) with drainage holes to prevent root
rot.

4. Overwatering ZZ is a sure-fire way to kill it. To avoid soggy soil, use a fast-draining
mix. You can add sand or perlite to a potting mix or use a cactus mix.
Watering Tip: Despite being drought-tolerant, your ZZ will be
healthiest with regular watering. Water thoroughly then allow it to dry
out a bit before watering again.
CAUTION: All parts of this plant are poisonous. Keep it away from children and pets
who may play with or ingest this plant.
Origin: East Africa
Height: Slow-growing, but can reach up to 3 ft (90 cm) indoors. It grows much
taller in its native habitat.
Light: Bright to low light. Keep it out of direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves.
Water: Water thoroughly and allow the top 2 in (5 cm) of soil to dry out between
waterings. Soggy soil will cause the rhizomes to rot.
Humidity: Average indoor humidity.
Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F, 16-24°C
Soil: Fast-draining medium works best to avoid root rot. Mix 1 part good-quality all-
purpose potting mix and 1 part sharp sand or perlite. Cactus mix works well, too.
Fertilizer: Feed 4 times a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Propagation: Division of rhizomes. Leaf cuttings can be propagated. But be patient
-- the cuttings can take several months to grow.